Traditional, adapted

by Arlo Guthrie



I am a little Beggar and a Beggar I have been

For three score'r more in this little Isle of green

And I'm known from the Liffy down to Segue

And I'm known by the name of bold Donahue



Of all the trades a-goin' now sure beggin is the best

When a man gets tired he can lay him down to rest

He can beg for his dinner when there's nothing left to do

Then just cut around the corner with his old Rigadoo



I slept in a barn way down in Curabawn

A-waitin' in for the mornin' I slept till the dawn

With the holes in the roof and the rain a-comin' through

And the cats and the rats they were playin' peeka-boo



Who should awaken but the woman of the house

With here white spotted apron and her calico blouse

She began to frighten when I said boo!

Sayin' don't be afraid ma'am it's old Johnny Dhu.



I met a little flaxy haired girl one day,

Good morning little flaxy haired girl I say

Good morning little Beggar Man and how do you do

With your rags and your tags and your old Rigaioo



Buy a pair of leggings and a collar and a be

And a nice big lady I will fetch by and by

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

And an old fashioned lady I will make her too



Over the fields with the pack on my back

Over the field with my great heavy sack

With the holes in my shoes and the toes a'peekin' through

Singin' skittilee rink-a-doodle it's the old Johnny Dhu



Must be going to bed boys, it's gettin' late at night

All the fire's all raked and up goes the light

And now you've heard the story of my old Rigadoo

It's "Good-bye God be with you' sings the old Johnny Dhu.