And I am a rambling hero, by my love I am ensnared,
For it’s near the town of Baltinglass there dwells a comely maid,
She is fairer than all Diana’s kind; oh she’s free from all earthly pride,
She’s a comely maid; her dwelling place lies near the tanyard side.

I stood in meditation and viewed her o’er and o’er.
Sure I thought she be the goddess above who ascended down so low,
Oh no, kind sir, I’m a country girl, no, she modestly replied,
While I daily labour for my bread down by the tanyard side.

Her golden hair in ringlets lay there on her snow-white neck.
The killing glances of her eyes would save a ship from wreck.
Her two sparkling brown eyes and her teeth like ivory white,
Would make a man become her slave down by the tanyard side.

Now for twelve long months we courted, sure at length we did agree,
All to consult our parents and married we should be.
For at length her cruel father oh, to me he proved unkind,
Well it’s now I have to cross the sea and leave my love behind.

So fare thee well each parents, sure I’m bidding thee adieu,
For I’m crossing that wild ocean sure all for the sake of you,
But if ever I chance to return again I shall make of you my bride,
While I roll you in my arms down by the tanyard side.