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.
I grieve to leave my native land, I grieve to leave my comrades all, And my parents whom I've loved so dear, And the bonnie, bonnie lass I do adore.
Chorus:
Farewell to Nova Scotia, the 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 or a wish for me?
The drums do beat and the wars to alarm, The captain calls, I must obey. So farewell, farewell to Nova Scotia's charms, For it's early in the morning and I'm far, far away.
Chorus
I have three brothers and they are at rest, Their arms are folded on their chest. But a poor simple sailor just like me, Must be tossed and driven on the dark blue sea.