Little Beggarman Lyrics - Great Big Sea

(Traditional - Arr. GBS) 

Well, I am a little beggarman, a begging I have been 

For three score or more in the little isle of green 

All over the Liffey and down to Segue 

I'm known by the name of auld Johnny Dhu 

Of all the trades a going, begging is the best 

When a man gets tired he can sit down and rest 

Singin' for his supper when there's nothing else to do 

When I come around the corner with me old rigadoo 

I went to a barn, went down to Currabawn 

Got down on the floor and I slept till the dawn 

Holes in the roof and the rain seeping thru 

Me toes froze together in me little beggar shoes 

Buy a pair of leggings and a collar and a tie 

A nice old lady you will find by and by 

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

For a foxy old lady I'll make her too 

I met a little flaxen haired girl one day 

Good morning little flaxen haired girl, I did say 

Good morning little beggarman how do you do 

With your bags and your rags and your auld rigadoo 

Who should I waken but the woman of the house 

With her white spotted apron and her calico blouse 

She began to frighten so I said boo 

Sure, don't be afraid, it's only Johnny Dhu 

Over the road with me pack on me back 

Over all the fields with me big heavy sack 

Over the hills with the moon peeking through 

Singing, skin a ma rink a doodle on me auld rigadoo 

I must be going to bed, it's getting late at night 

The fire is all out, so out goes the light 

Now you've heard the story of the auld rigadoo 

So good night and God be with you, this is auld Johnny Dhu