Dark is the evening, silent the hour
Oh who is that minstrel by yonder lone tower?
Whose heart is so tenderly touching with skill?
Oh who could it be but young Ned of the hill?

Who sings, "Lady love, will you come with me now?
Come and live out with me under the bough
I'll pillow your head where the light fairies tread
If you will but wed with young Ned of the hill"

Young Ned of the hill has no castle, no hall
No bowman or spearman to come at his call
But one little archer of exquisite skill
Has shot a bright shaft for young Ned of the hill

It is hard to escape from this young lady's bower
For high is the castle and guarded the tower
But the mind knows the way where the heart holds the will
And Eileen is gone with young Ned of the hill