Tae The Begging

"Tae the Begging" lyrics and music traditional

Performed by Marc Gunn
from St Patrick's Day

Of all the trades that I do know, the beggin is the best
For when a beggar’s weary he can aye sit doon and rest

To the beggin’ I will go will go,
To the beggin’ I will go.

Before I head out on the road, I’ll let me beard grow strong;
And my nails I will nae cut ’em, for the beggars wear them long.

I’ll put no water on my hands, and little on my face;
For still the lowner like I am, the more my trade I’ll grace.

And I’ll go to the tailor, with a wad of hodden gray,
I’ll have him make a cloak for me, that will keep me night and day.

When I come tae a farm-toon, I’ll say with hat in hand;
“Will the beggar-man get quarters here? Alas, I canna stand.”

And when they all come in about, It’s then I’ll start to sing,
And do my best to gather them, around about the ring.

If there’s a wedding in the town; you’ll surely find me there;
I’ll pour my kindest benisons, Upon the happy pair.

And some will give me beef and bread, And some will give me cheese;
And out and in among the folk, I’ll gaither the bawbees.

If beggin’ be as good as trade, As I hope it may,
It’s time that I was out o’ here, And headin’ doon the brae.

Chords: KEY F

[F] [Bb] [F] [Bb]

[F]Of all the trades that [Bb] I do know, the [F] beggin is the [Bb] best
For [F] when a beggar’s [Bb] weary he can [F] aye sit doon and [Bb] rest

To the [F] begging I will [Bb] go will go,
To the [F] begging [Bb] I [C] will [F] go.