There was a jolly grinder
Once lived by the River Don
He worked and sang from morning 'til night
And sometimes he worked none

But still the burden of his song for ever used to be
'Tis never worthwhile to work too long if it doesn't agree with me!

He seldom on a Monday worked
Except near Christmas Day
It wasn't the labour that he shunned
For 'twas easier far than play

And still the burden of his song for ever used to be
'Tis never worthwhile to work too long if it doesn't agree with me!

A pale teetotaler chanced to meet 
Our grinder one fine day
As he sat at the door with his pipe and his glass
He answered our friend did say:
"You destroy your health and your senses too"
Says the grinder, "You're much too free
Attend to your work, if you've ought to do
And don't interfere with me"

And still the burden of his song for ever used to be:
'Tis never worthwhile to work too long if it doesn't agree with me!

"There's many like you go sneaking around
Persuading beer drinkers to turn
'Tis easier far on our failings to spout
Than by labour your living to earn
I work when I like and I play when I can
And I envy no man I see
Such chaps as you won't alter mi plan
For I know what agrees with me

And still the burden of his song for ever used to be:
'Tis never worthwhile to work too long if it doesn't agree with me!