Tae
The Beggin'
Of a' the trades that I do ken, the beggin' is the best
For when a beggar's weary he can aye sit doon an' rest.
Chorus
Tae the beggin' I will go, will go
Tae the beggin' I will go.
I'll gang tae the cobbler, An' gar him sort my shoon
An inch thick tae the boddam, An' clooted weel abune.
An' I will tae the greasy cook, Frae him I'll buy a hat,
Weel press'd and weather-beaten, An' glitt'rin wi' fat.
An' I will tae the tailor,k Wi' a wab o' hodden gray,
An' gar him mak' a cloak for me, Will hap me nicht and day.
An' yet ere I begin my trade, I'll let me beard grow strang;
Nor pare my nails this year or day, For beggars wear them lang.
I'll pit nae watter on my hands, As little on my face;
For still the lowner like I am, The mair my trade I'll grace.
When I come tae a fairm-toon, I'll say wi' hat in hand;
"Will the beggar-man get quarters here? Alas, I canna stand."
An' when they're a' come in aboot, It's then I'll start tae sing,
An' dae my best tae gar them lauch, A'roon aboot the ring.
If there's a wedding in the toon; I'll airt me tae be there;
An' pour my kindest benisons, Upon the happy pair.
An' some will give me beef an' breid, An' some will gie me cheese;
An' oot an' in amang the folk, I'll gaither the bawbees.
If beggin' be as good as trade, An' as I hope it may,
It's time that I was oot o' here, An' haudin doon the brae.
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