Near Banbridge town in the County Down One morning last July, From a boreen green came a sweet colleen And she smiled as she pa**ed me by. She looked so sweet from her two bare feet To the sheen of her nut brown hair. Such a coaxing elf, sure I shook myself To be sure I was really there. Chorus: From Bantry Bay up to Derry quay and From Galway to Dublin town, No maid I've seen like the sweet colleen That I met in the County Down. As she onward sped, sure I scratched me head, And I looked with a feelin' rare, And I say's, say's I, to a pa**er-by, "whose the maid with the nut brown hair"? He smiled at me and he said, said he, "that's the gem of Ireland's crown. It's Rose mc Cann from the banks of the Bann, She's the star of the County Down". Chorus: From Bantry Bay up to Derry quay and From Galway to Dublin town, No maid I've seen like the sweet colleen That I met in the County Down. Well I've travelled a bit, but never was hit Since my roving career began; But fair and square I surrendered there To the charms of Rose McCann. I'd a heart to let, and no tenant yet Did I meet with in shawl or gown, But in she went and I asked no rent From the Star of the County Down. Chorus: From Bantry Bay up to Derry quay and From Galway to Dublin town, No maid I've seen like the sweet colleen That I met in the County Down. At the harvest fair she'll be surely there And I'll dress in my Sunday clothes, With my shoes shone bright and a hat co*ked right For a smile from my nut brown rose. No pipe I'll smoke, no horse I'll yoke Till my plough turns a rust coloured brown. Till a smiling bride, by my own fireside Sits the star of the County Down. Chorus: From Bantry Bay up to Derry quay and From Galway to Dublin town, No maid I've seen like the sweet colleen That I met in the County Down.