(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
The Miller of Dee (Jolly Miller) There was a jolly miller once liv'd on the river Dee ; He danc'd and he sang from morn till night, no lark so blithe as he. And this the burden of his song for ever us'd to be-- I care for nobody, no, not I, if nobody cares for me. I live by my mill, God bless her! she's kindred, child, and wife; I would not change my station for any other in life. No lawyer, surgeon, or doctor, e'er had a groat from me-- I care for nobody, no, not I, if nobody cares for me. When Spring begins its merry career, oh! how his heart grows gay ; No summer drought alarms his fears, nor winter's sad decay; No foresight mars the miller's joy, who's wont to sing and say- Let others toil from year to year, I live from day to day. Thus like the miller, bold and free, let us rejoice and sing; The days of youth are made for glee, and time is on the wing. This song shall pass from me to thee, along this jovial ring--- Let heart and voice and all agree to say, "Long live the King." Note: From Popular Music of the Olden Time, Chappell This version originally published in The Convivial Songster, 1782 see a full set in John S. Farmer, "Canting Songs and Rhymes" (c. 1890): NY, Cooper Square, 1964 JB tune: The Budgeon it is a Delicate Trade (note that it has re- emerged, in 4/4 time, as Rolling Down to Old Maui) RG
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!