The Beggar Songtext
von Steeleye Span

I′d rather be a beggar than a king
I'll tell you the reason why
A king can′t swagger nor dote like a beggar
Nor be half as happy as I

Let the back and sides go bare
Let the hands and feet go cold
Give to the belly beer enough
Whether it be new or old

Sometimes we call to a rich man's hall
To beg for bread and beer
Sometimes we're lame, sometimes we′re blind
Sometimes too deaf to hear

Let the back and sides go bare
Let the hands and feet go cold
Give to the belly beer enough
Whether it be new or old


Sometimes we lie like hogs in the sty
In a flock of straw on the ground
Sometimes eat a crust that′s rolled in the dust
And we're thankful it can be found

Let the back and sides go bare
Let the hands and feet go cold
Give to the belly beer enough
Whether it be new or old

From the hag and hungry goblin
That in two rags would rend you
And the spirits that stand by the naked man
In the Book of Moons defend you
That of your five sound senses
You never be forsaken
Nor travel from yourselves with me
Abroad to beg your bacon


Let the back and sides go bare
Let the hands and feet go cold
Give to the belly beer enough
Whether it be new or old
Let the back and sides go bare
Let the hands and feet go cold
Give to the belly beer enough
Whether it be new or old