Of all the trades in England, Beggin' is the best, For when a beggar's tired, He can lay him down to rest. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. I got a pocket for me oatmeal, And another for me rye, I got a bottle by me side, To drink when I am dry. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. I got patches on me cloak, And a black patch on me knee, When you come to take me home, I'll drink as well as thee. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. I got a pocket for me salt, And another for me malt, I got a pair of little crutches, You should see how I can halt. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. I've been a-beggin' seven years, With me ol' wooden leg, For lame I've been, since I was born, And so I'm forced to beg. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. I sleep beneath an open tree, And there I pay no rent, Providence provides for me, And I am well content. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. I fear no plots against me, I live in open cell, Who would be a king then, When beggars live so well? And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. Of all the trades in England, Beggin' is the best, For when a beggar's tired, He can lay him down to rest. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go. And a-begging I will go, A-begging I will go.