Let Your Back and Sides Go Bare



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.



cho: Let your back and sides go bare, me boys

Hands and 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 beggin' is as good as it is.



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.



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.



Recorded by David Jones- Cruisin' Round Yarmouth

Popularized, as far as I know, by RAF pilots in WWII-RG

See also BACK&SID

@drink @beg

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