The sun was setting in the west, the birds were singing on every
tree;
All of nature seemed inclined to rest, but still there was no
rest for me.

CHORUS:
So farewell to Nova Scotia, your seabound 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?

I grieve to leave my native land, I grieve to leave my comrades
all;
And my aged parents who I hold so dear, and the bonny, bonny lass
that I do adore.

(chorus)

The drums do beat, the wars do 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 deep blue sea.

(chorus)