Bonnie Wood Green

Song about an Ulster Volunteer going off to the First World War and leaving his sweet heart behind

In among the green bushes of Bonnie Wood Green
where me and my true love so ofttimes were seen
It was there that we sat and so happy were we
but little she thought that a soldier I'd be

It was early next morning as the lambs they did play
It was off to Kells barracks I there made my way
It was there I enlisted to fight for my King
And a cause to uphold I left Bonnie Wood Green

In Larne harbour, our troopship lay ready to sail
Mothers stood weeping while sisters looked frail
We were singing and dancing while father looked sad
They were saying farewell to their brave soldier lad

At Flanders a park at the back of the line
they were talking of sweethearts they all left behind
When one Irish soldier said I have a queen
and she works in John Rosses of Bonnie Wood Green

It was early one morning while facing the foe
a shot from the enemy this young man laid low
He called for his comrades it was a sad scene
Say goodbye to my Nelly and Bonnie Wood Green

So if it's ever to Ulster you chance for to stray
There's a neat little factory near Bally Macvey
where there's weavers and winders and spinners and all
and they work in John Rosses of Bonnie Wood Green