Martin Carthy - And A-Begging I Will Go lyrics

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 la** 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