1. Oh the sun was setting in the west
the birds were singing on every tree
all of nature seemed inclined for to rest
but still there was no rest for me.
R: Farewell to Nova Scotia your sea-bound coast
let your mountains dark and dreary be
for when I am far away on the briny ocean tossed
will you ever give a thought or a wish for me?

2. I grieve to leave my native home
I grieve to leave my comrades all
and my dear aged parents I love so well
and the bonnie bonnie lassie I do adore.
R:

3. I have two brothers they are at rest
their arms are folded upon their breast
but a poor lonely sailor just like me
must be tossed and driven on the deep blue sea.
R:

4. For the drums they do beat and the horns do alarm
the captain calls and we must obey
so farewell farewell to Nova Scotia shores
for its early in the morning I am far far away.
R: