'Twas after I sat on my true love's knee
And many fine tale he has told to me
He has told me a things that ne'er shall be

He is gone, he is gone, my bonnie boy

I've sold my cloak, I've sold my reel

When my flax was spawn, I've sold my reel
To buy my love a sword of steel
He is gone, he is gone, my bonnie boy


With fife and drum he has marched away
He would not heed what I would say

He'll not come back for many a day
He is gone, he is gone, my bonnie boy


But now my love has gone to France
To try his fortune to advance
If he e'er comes back 'tis but chance

He is gone, he is gone, my bonnie boy

I'll dye my petticoat, I'll dye it red

Around the world I'll make my bed
'Till I find my love alive or dead
He is gone, he is gone, my bonnie boy


Siúil, a siúil, a siúil agrar
Only death can end my woe

And the pain in my heart from me did go
He is gone, he is gone, my bonnie boy