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.

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.

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.