As I went strolling down by the Hilltown
The lovely fresh mountains they did
me surround
I spied a pretty fair maid to me
she looked grand she
Was gathering wild roses on the banks
of the Bann
I stepped up to this fair one and
to her I did say
Since Nature has formed us for to
meet on this way
Since Nature has formed us then here
is my hand
And we'll walk together on the banks
of the Bann
Then into a corner where the change
it took place
I knew by the flush that arose on
her face
Her feet they fell from her on that
soft bed of sand
And she fell into my arms on the
banks of the Bann`
Now it's young man you have wronged
me come tell me your name
So that when the babe is born I can
give it the same
"My name is Willy Archer and
you'll understand
And my home and habitation lie close
to the Bann"
But I cannot marry you I'm apprentice
bound
To the spinning and the weaving in
Rathfriland town
But when my term is ended then here
is my hand
And we will get married on the banks
of the Bann