The sun was setting in the west The birds were singing on every tree All nature seemed inclined for to rest But still there was no rest for me.
Chorus Farewell to Nova Scotia, you sea-bound coast Let your mountains dark and dreary be For when I am far away on the briny ocean tossed Will you ever heave a sigh and 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 bonnie, bonnie lassie that I do adore.
Chorus
The drums they do beat and the wars to alarm The captain calls, we must obey So farewell, farewell to Nova Scotia's charms For it's early in the morning I am far, far away.
Chorus
I have three brothers and 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.