My name is Jamie Raeburn, in Glasgow I was born
My place and habitation I'm forced to leave with scorn
Frae my place and habitation, it's I must gang awa'
Far frae the bonnie hills and dales of Caledonia

It was early on one mornin', just by the break of day
The turnkey he came to us, and unto us did say
"Arise you hapless convicts, arise you one and a'
This is the day you are to stray from Caledonia"

We all arose, put on our clothes, our hearts were full of grief
Our friends who stood around the coach could grant us no relief
Our parents, wives and sweethearts too, their hearts were broke in twa
Tae see us leave the hills and dales of Caledonia

Farewell, my dearest mother, I'm vexed for what I've done
I hope none cast up to you the race that I have run
I hope God will protect you when I am far awa'
Far frae the bonnie hills and dales of Caledonia

Farewell, my honest faither, you were the best of men
And likewise, my own sweetheart, it's Catherine is her name
No more we'll walk by Clyde's clear stream or by the Broomielaw
For I must leave the hills and dales of Caledonia

My name is Jamie Raeburn, in Glasgow I was born
My place and habitation I'm forced to leave with scorn
Frae my place and habitation, it's I must gang awa'
Far frae the bonnie hills and dales of Caledonia