The Beggar - Steeleye Span

I’d rather be a beggar than a king

Tell you the reason why

A king can’t swagger, nor drink like a beggar

Nor be half so 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 at 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 are 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 the hungry goblin

That into 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