Well, I am a little beggarman, a begging I have been

For three score or more in the little isle of green

All over the Liffey and down to Segue

I'm known by the name of auld Johnny Dhu 



Of all the trades a going, begging is the best

When a man gets tired he can sit down and rest

Singin' for his supper when there's nothing else to do

When I come around the corner with me old rigadoo 



I went to a barn, went down to Currabawn

Got down on the floor and I slept till the dawn

Holes in the roof and the rain seeping thru

Me toes froze together in me little beggar shoes 



Buy a pair of leggings and a collar and a tie

A nice old lady you will find by and by

Buy a pair of leggings and I'll color them blue

For a foxy old lady I'll make her too 



I met a little flaxen haired girl one day

Good morning little flaxen haired girl, I did say

Good morning little beggarman how do you do

With your bags and your rags and your auld rigadoo 



Who should I waken but the woman of the house

With her white spotted apron and her calico blouse

She began to frighten so I said boo

Sure, don't be afraid, it's only Johnny Dhu 



Over the road with me pack on me back

Over all the fields with me big heavy sack

Over the hills with the moon peeking through

Singing, skin a ma rink a doodle on me auld rigadoo 



I must be going to bed, it's getting late at night

The fire is all out, so out goes the light

Now you've heard the story of the auld rigadoo

So good night and God be with you, this is auld Johnny Dhu