Irish Folksongs A Trace Boy On Ligoniel Hill Lyrics

A Trace Boy On Ligoniel Hill Lyrics

Do ye mind the old horse trams a long time ago,

As they passed through the
city at jog trot or slow?

On the level they cantered, but the pace it did
kill

When they got to the bottom of Ligoniel Hill.



But the
trace-boys were there with a heart and a hand,

They let down the traces
and buckled each band.

The passengers sat on contented and still

When they saw the bold trace-boys of Ligoniel hill.



Away we did
canter as fast as the wind,

And left the poor country carts plodding
behind;

And that song of the wind in my heart I hear still

As when
I was a trace-boy on Ligoniel Hill.



The youth of today hold their
heads in the air

And the young girls pass by with a golliwog stare,

Let them pity the crulge*  on my back if they will

But I once was a
trace-boy on Ligoniel Hill.



My friends all departed, and work now
so scarce,

The only thing left is a ride in a hearse;

For the sky
is my roof and my bed a brick-kiln,

Yet I once was a trace-boy on
Ligoniel Hill.



* sic

From Songs of Belfast, Hammond