Trad. arr. by Loreena McKennitt



Here's a health to you bonny Kellswater

Where you get all the pleasure of life

Where you get all the fishing and fowling

And a bonny wee lass for your wife.



Oh it's down where yon waters run muddy

I'm afraid they will never run clear

And it's when I begin for the study

My mind is on him that's not here.



And it's this one and that one may court him

But if any one gets him but me

It's early and late I will curse them

The parting lovely Willie from me.



Oh a father he calls on his daughter

Two choices I'll give unto thee

Would you rather see Willie's ship a'sailing

See him hung like a dog on yonder tree.



Oh father, dear father, I love him

I can no longer hide it from thee

Through an acre of fire I would travel

Along with the lovely Willie to be.



Oh hard was the heartbreak I'm finding

She took from her full heart's delight

May the chains of old Ireland come find them

And softly their pillows at night.



Oh yonder there's a ship on the ocean

And she does not know which way to steer

From the east and the west she's a'blowing

She reminds me of charms of my dear.



Oh it's yonder my Willie will be coming

He said he'd be here in the spring

And it's down by yon green shades I'll meet him

And among wild roses we'll sing.



For a gold ring be placed on my finger

Saying love bear this in your mind

If ever I sail from old Ireland

You'll mind I'll not leave you behind.



Here's a health to you bonny Kellswater

Where you get all the pleasure of life

Where you get all the fishing and fowling

And a bonny wee lass for your wife.