Of all the trades in England, the begging is the best
For when a beggar's tired, he can lay him down to rest

And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go

I've a pocket for my oatmeal and another for my salt
And with my leg and crutches you should see how I can bolt

And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go

There's patches on my coat, and on my right eye too
When it comes to pretty girls, I can see as well as you

And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go

My trousers are all ragged, and my heart is free from care
If I can eat and drink, m' boys, my backside can go bare

And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go

There's a bed for me in any town, and I've no rent to pay
There's many a right and willing lass I've bedded in the hay

And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go

I've got no tax to pay, and I heed no master's bell
Who would be a king when a beggar does so well?

And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go


Of all the trades in England, the begging is the best
For when a beggar's tired, he can lay him down to rest

And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go