I thought he was an angel bright
Come tripping down so low
Saying, "Kind sir, I'm a country boy
And modest to me he plies
And I daily labour for my bread
Down by the tanyard side."
He's the neatest little country boy
That ever my eyes did spy
And he'd have made a girl a bonny bride
Down by the tanyard side
So red and rosy was his cheeks
And amber was his hair
And his two pretty eyes like diamonds shine
As my hands passed through his hair
It is twelve long months since first we met
So early in the spring
When the small birds they do whistle loud
The nightingale doth sing
The nightingale doth sing
And if ever I return again
I'll take that boy in sight
And I'll roll him in my very own arms
Down by the tanyard side
I will roll him in my very own arms
Down by the tanyard side