Digital Tradition Mirror

John Barleycorn, My Jo

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Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

John Barleycorn, My Jo

John Barleycorn, my jo John when we were first acquaint
I had money in my pocket John but noo, ye ken I want
I spent it all in treating John because I loved you so
And look ye how you've cheated me John Barleycorn my jo.

John Barleycorn, my jo John, one of your many ills
You rob me of my money John which ought to pay my bills
My creditors upbraid me John why I do use them so
Which is the cruellest thing ava John Barleycorn my jo.

John Barleycorn my jo John, beside your other evils
You threatened, sir, to frighten me by raising your blue devils
Sic company I dinna like John from the regions down below
So dinna try sic tricks again John Barleycorn my jo.

John Barleycorn my jo, John of friends ye hae sae many
But surely ye hae nae forgot on drunken Peter Rennie
For mony's the merry nicht we've had in sunshine and in snow
But we three maun ne'er meet again John Barleycorn my jo.

It's true he will forswear you for longer time or shorter
For often ye do gang to him disguised as Mr Porter
Sic tricks I dinna like John they are so mean and low
I wad rather see you naked far John Barleycorn my jo.

And in the early morning John before that I get up
I would take you in a tumbler John and gladly drink you up
We are told to love our enemies John and why should it not be so
That we take our last and farewell glass John Barleycorn my jo.

You are surely turning frail John, when friends upon you call
Unless it be at certain hours ye can't be seen at all
And likewise upon Sunday John your face ye winna show
Unless to some particular folks John Barleycorn my jo.

But we will never miss you John suppose ye keep your bed
For we've plenty of lay preachers in the country in your stead
Wha deals the spirit largely alike to rich and low
I hope that it will stand the proof John Barleycorn my jo.

And at the feeing markets John, on you we'll turn our backs
And we will treat the lassies John to Peter Drummond's tracts
Who will receive them gladly John and read them as they go
Your days are numbered now on earth John Barleycorn my jo.

From the Grieg Duncan Folksong Collection
SOF

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!