The sun was setting in the west The birds were singing on ev'ry tree. All nature seemed inclined 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 aged, loving parents whom I held so dear And the bonnie, bonnie lass that I do adore.
The drums they do beat and 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.
I have three brothers and they are at rest Their arms are folded on their breasts. But a poor weary sailor the likes of me Must be tossed and forgotten on the lonesome sea.