Goodbye to old Ireland forever,
Farewell to my true love as well
Keep the child safe in your arms love,
I need you like no words can tell,

Chorus
Singing too raa lie, oor ra lie addie, too raa lie oor a lie aye
Too raa lie oor a lie addie, sailing for Botany Bay.

The captain he hauls up the anchor
He sails by the stars and the sun
Oh, I swear if I live I’ll return again
To my darling’s sweet kisses I’d run, Chorus

For seven long years I’m transported
For seven long years and a day
Oh, I wish I were drowned on the ocean bed
For they’ve taken my true love away, Chorus

Oh, if I had the wings of a turtle dove
I’d soar o’er the pinions so high
And I’d fly to the arms of the one I love
And safe on her bosom I’d lie, Chorus


Repeat 1st verse.

Botany Bay        traditional