And A-Begging I Will Go

Of all the trades in England the beggin' is the best
For when a beggar's tired he can lay him down and rest

And a-beggin' I will go
And a-beggin' I will go

I've a pocket for my oatmeal and another for my salt
I've a pair of little crutches that should see how I can bolt

And a-beggin' I will go
And a-beggin' I will go

There's patches on my fusty coat and a black patch on my eye
But when it comes to tuppenny ale I can see as well as thee

And a-beggin' I will go
And a-beggin' I will go

My britches they are no but holes but my heart is free of care
As long as I've my belly full my backside can go bare

And a-beggin' I will go
And a-beggin' I will go

I've been deaf at Duckinfield and I've been blind at Shaw
And many's the right and willing lass I've bedded in the straw

And a-beggin' I will go
And a-beggin' I will go

There's a bed for me where'er I lie and I don't pay no rent
I've got no noisy looms to mind and I am right content

And a-beggin' I will go
And a-beggin' I will go

I can rest when I am tired and I heed no master's bell
You men'd be daft to be a king when beggars live so well

And a-beggin' I will go
And a-beggin' I will go

Of all the trades in England the beggin' is the best
For when a beggar's tired he can lay him down and rest

And a-beggin' I will go
And a-beggin' I will go