My name is Jamie Raeburn, in Glasgow I was born My place and habitation I'm forced to leave with scorn Frae my place and habitation, it's I must gang awa' Far from the bonnie hills and dales of Caledonia
It was early on one morning, just by the break of day The turnkey he came to us and unto us did say Arise you hapless convicts, arise you one and a' This is the day you are to stray from Caledonia
We all arose, put on our clothes, our hearts were full of grief Our friends who stood around the coach could grant us no relief Our parents, wives and sweethearts too, their hears were broke in twa To see us leave the hills and dales of Caledonia
Farewell my dearest mother, I'm vexed for what I've done I hope none shall cast up to you the race that I have run I hope God will protect you when I am far awa' Far from the bonnie hills and dales of Caledonia
Farewell, my honest father, you were the best of men And likewise my own sweetheart, it's Catherine is her name No more we'll walk by Clyde's clear stream or by the Broomielaw For I must leave the hills and dales of Caledonia