When first to this country a stranger I came
I laid my affections on a girl that was young,
She being fair and tender, her waist small and slender
Fond nature had formed her for my overthrow.

On the banks of the Bann it was there I first met her,
She appeared like an angel or Egypt's fair queen,
Her eyes were like diamonds or stars brightly shining.
She's one of the fairest in the world that I've seen.

It was her cruel parents that first caused a variance
Because they are rich and above my degree.
But I'll do my endeavor to gain my love's favour
Although she is come of a high family.

My name is Delaney, it's a name that won't shame me
And if I'd saved money I would never have roamed.
But drinking and sporting, night rambling and courting
Are the cause of all me ruin and absence from home.

Now had I the riches that are in the Indies,
I'd put rings on her fingers and gold in her ears.
It's there on the banks of the lovely Bann River
In all kinds of splendor I'd live with my dear

This song was also sung by Shirley Collins on her and the Albion Country Band's album No Roses. In the album's sleeve notes she quoted A.L. Lloyd as her source and she commented:.

I knew the tune as a child. The hymn Lord of All Hopefulness, Lord of All Joy was set to it. It's an Irish tune, of course, and much better suited to a love song.