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