I would sooner be a beggar as a king
I'll tell you the reason why:
A king cannot swagger or walk like a beggar
Or be half so happy as I

Let your back and sides go bare, me boys
Hands and your feet grow cold
But give to your belly, boys, ale enough
Whether it be new or old

I've sixpence in me pocket and I worked hard for that
Landlord, here it is
There isn't any Turk going to make me work
While the begging is as good as it is

Let your back and sides go bare, me boys
Hands and your feet grow cold
But give to your belly, boys, ale enough
Whether it be new or old

Sometimes we call at a nobleman's hall
Beg for bread and beer
Sometimes we are lame, sometimes we are blind
Sometimes too deaf too hear

Let your back and sides go bare, me boys
Hands and your feet grow cold
But give to your belly, boys, ale enough
Whether it be new or old

Sometimes we lie like hogs in a sty
Frost and snow on the ground
Sometimes eat a crust that's rolled in the dust
And be thankful if that can be found

Let your back and sides go bare, me boys
Hands and your feet grow cold
But give to your belly, boys, ale enough
Whether it be new or old

Let your back and sides go bare, me boys
Hands and your feet grow cold
But give to your belly, boys, ale enough
Whether it be new or old