Lyrics

John Still's Drinking Song

I cannot eat but a little meat, my stomach it is not good
But sure I think I can hold my drink with the monk in his ale-brown hood
Though I go bare take you no care I am nothing a-cold
I stuff my skin so full within of the jolly good ale and old

Chorus
Back and side go bare go bare, both foot and hand go cold
But belly god send thee ale enough whether it be new or old

I love no roast but a nut-brown toast and a crab laid in the fire
A little bread shall do me stead much bread I don’t desire
No frost or snow nor wind I know can hurt me with its cold
I am so wrapped and thoroughly lapped in jolly good ale and old

Chorus

Now Tib, my wife, sure as her life, loves well good ale to seek
Full oft drinks she that you will see the tears run down her cheek
Then does she troll to me the bowl as a good malt-worm should
And she says, “Sweet heart, take you your part of the jolly good dark brown brew.”

Chorus

Now let them drink till they nod and wink as all good fellows should do
They shall not miss to have the bliss good ale does bring men to
And all poor souls who have scoured bowls and have them fully trolled
God save the lives of them and their wives whether they be young or old

Chorus