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