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 plied
And I daily laboured for my bread
Down by the tan yard 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 tan yard side

So red and rosy was his cheeks
And amber was his hair
And his two pretty eyes like diamonds shine
As my hands coursed through his hair

It is twelve long months since first we met
So early in the spring
When the small birds they do whistle and
The nightingales do sing (2x)

[Interlude]

And if ever I return again
I'll take that boy inside
And I'll roll him in my very own arms
Down by the tan yard side

I will roll him in my very own arms
Down by the tan yard side