The sun was setting in the West
The birds were singing on every tree
All nature seemed inclined to rest
But still there was no rest for me
So farewell to Nova Scotia, your sea-bound coast
Let your mountains dark and drear-y be
For when I am far away on the briny ocean tossed
Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me?
I grieve to leave my native land
I grieve to leave my comrades all
And my parents whom I held so dear
And the bonny bonny lassie that I do adore
Well the drums do beat and the wars do alarm
My captain calls, I must obey
So farewell, farewell to Nova Scotia’s charms
For it’s early in the morning I'll be far far away
I have three brothers, they are at rest
Their arms are folded on their breast
But a poor simple sailor just like me
Must be tossed and driven on the dark blue sea
Won’t you keep a watch on Nova Scotia’s shores for me