I wish I was in Carrickfergus
Only for nights in Ballygran
I would swim over
the deepest ocean
the deepest ocean
in Ballygran
Oh but the water is wide
and I cannot swim over
And nor have I
the wings to fly
I wish I could be
a handy boatman
To ferry me over
my love and I
My childhood days
bring back sweet reflection
Of happy hours I spent
so long ago
My boyhood friends
and my own relations
Have all passed on now
like the melting snow
But I'll spend my days
in endless roaving
Soft as the grass
I'm sure my bed is free
Oh to be back now
in Carrickfergus
On that long road down
to the song to sea
Now in Kilkenny it is reported
They've marble stones
as black as ink
With gold and silver
I would support her
But I'll sing no more now
till I get a drink
I'm drunk today
and I'm seldom sober
A handsome rover
from town to town
And I'm sick now
my days are over
Come all you young men
and lay me down
