The Little Beggarman

The Little Beggarman

Irish Traditional

Arranged and performed by Matteo Laliscia
home recording

www.arronet.it

I am a little beggerman and a beggin I have been
And in six score or more in this little isle of green
I'm known from the Liffey down Tessague
Known by the name of ould Johnnie Dhu

Of all the trades a-goin' sure the beggin is the best
For when a man is tired he can lay him down and rest
Beg for his supper when there's nothin' else to do
Than to cut around the corner with his ould ricadoo

I slept in a barn way down Carrabawn
I was wet for the mornin'n and I slept 'till the dawn
With the holes in my shoes and my toes comin' through
The cats and the rats they were playin' peek-a-boo

Who should awaiken but the woman of the house
With her white spotty apron and her calico blouse
She began to frighten when I said boo
Sure, don't be afraid ma'm It's only Johnnie Dhu

I met a little flaxon haired girl one day
"Good morning little flaxon haired girl" I'd say
"Good morning little beggarman and how do you do
With your rage and your bags and your ould ricadoo?"

"I have a pair of goggles and a collar and a tie
And a nice young lady I shall fetch by and by"
"Oh I have a pair of goggles I shall colour them blue
And an old fashioned lady I will make for you"

Over the hills with a pack on my back
Over the hills with a great and heavey sack
With holes in my shoes and the toes comin' through
Singin' skiddy-me-rinky-doollum for Johnnie Dhu

The story's almost finished and it's gettin' late at night
The fire's all raked and out goes the light
Now you've heard the story of my ould ricadoo
It's good-night and god-bless from your ould Johnnie Dhu

Category:

Music

Tags:

• little
• beggerman
• begger
• beggar
• beggarman
• irish