Digital Tradition Mirror

A-Beggin' I Will Go

(This score available as ABC, SongWright, PostScript, PNG, or PMW, or a MIDI file)
Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

A-Beggin' I Will Go

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

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

I've a poke for me ma'le and another for me rye
I've a bottle by me side, to drink when I am dry

     CHORUS

I've a poke for me salt an another for me malt
I've a pair of little crutches, you should see how I can halt.

     CHORUS

I've been abeggin' seven years with me ol' wooden leg
For lame I've been, since I was born, and so I'm forced to beg

     CHORUS

In a hollow tree I pass the night, and there I pay no rent
Providence provides for me, and I am well content

     CHORUS

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English Traditional
Words from "Folksongs of Britain and Ireland", copyright 1984 by
  Oak Publications.
Tune "ABEGGIN" from Popular Music of the Olden Time, Chapell
Note: Tune used for a large number of songs like A-Hunting I Will Go,
  A-Hawking, A-Bowling A-Fishing etc.
recorded by Ewan MacColl on Manchester Angel and Carthy &
   Swarbrick
DC

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!