I gaze upon yon mountains that mingle with the sky, 
And if my wishes were but wings beyond them I would fly; 
For far beyond the mountains that look so distant here, 
To fight his country's battles last May-day went my dear. 
Ah! well do I remember with bitter sighs the day; 
Why Owen didst thou leave me, at home why did I stay!

I count the passing moments the weary live-long day, 
For every day's a week long since Owen went away. 
Ah! cruel was my father, who did my flight restrain, 
And I was cruel-hearted that did at home remain: 
With thee, my love, contented, I'd journey far away; 
Why Owen didst thou leave me, at home why did I stay!

And oft in waking visions I see some danger near, 
To fright my troubled fancy, that hovers round my dear! 
O! may it please kind heaven to shield my love from harm; 
To clasp him to my bosom would ev'ry care disarm: 
But, ah! I fear it's distant far that happy, happy, day; 
Why Owen didst thou leave me, at home why did I stay!