Her eyes, they shine like diamonds
You would think she was queen of the land
With her hair thrown over her shoulders
Tied up with a black ribbon band

In Tralee in the sweet county Kerry
An apprentice to trade I was bound
With plenty of light amusement
For to see the day go 'round
Till misfortune and ruin came o'er me
Which caused me to stray from my land
Far away from my friends and relations
To follow the black ribbon band

Her eyes, they shine like diamonds
You would think she was queen of the land
With her hair thrown over her shoulders
Tied up with a black ribbon band

As I went walking down broadway
Not intending to stay very long
I met with a ticklesome damsel
As she came tripping along
A watch she pulled out of her pocket
And slipped it right into my hand
And the very first day that I met her
Bad luck to her black ribbon band

Her eyes, they shine like diamonds
You would think she was queen of the land
With her hair thrown over her shoulders
Tied up with a black ribbon band

'Fore judge and jury next morning
Both of us did appear
And a gentleman claimed the jewellery
And the case against us was clear
For seven years' transportation
Right down to Van Diemen's land
Far away from my friends and companions
To follow the black ribbon band

Her eyes, they shine like diamonds
You would think she was queen of the land
With her hair thrown over her shoulders
Tied up with a black ribbon band

Come all ye young Irish fellows
A warning take by me
Beware of those ticklesome damsels
That are lurking around in Tralee
They'll treat you to whiskey and porter
Until you're not able to stand
And before you have time for to leave them
You'll end up on Van Diemen's land

Her eyes, they shine like diamonds
You would think she was queen of the land
With her hair thrown over her shoulders
Tied up with a black ribbon band

Copyright: BARDIS MUSIC, USA ATTN: PETER BARDON
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