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The Begging Song
Martin Carthy
Text File
If you want to play along to the track on the Life and Limb Album then you need a Capo on 5th.
I'm not convinced by the D in the chorus but I can't find anything better to fit.
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Martin Carthy - The Begging Song
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Am C G Am
Of all the trades in England the beggin' is the best
Am G C G
For when a beggar's tired he can lay him down and rest
Chorus (after each verse):
D
And a-beggin' I will go
Am G Am
And a-beggin' I will go
Am C G Am
I got on the train in Carlisle they kicked me out at Crewe
Am G C G
I slept on every paving-stone from there to Waterloo
Am C G Am
I got breakfast off the Embankment I got my lunch and tea
Am G C G
And only the finest cardboard made a home that was fit for me
Am C G Am
We sit on the stair at Leicester Square from seven o'clock till ten
Am G C G
Then round the back of the Connaught House for dinner from out of a bin
Am C G Am
I can rest when I am tired and I heed no master's bell
Am G C G
A man'd be daft to be a king when beggars live so well
Am C G Am
The law came down to see us they came down three together
Am G C G
They put out the fire they left us there Oh Lord how we did shiver
Am C G Am
I am a Victorian value I'm enterprise poverty
Am G C G
Completely invisible to the state and a joy to Mrs T
Am C G Am
Of all the trades in England the beggin' is the best
Am G C G
For when a beggar's tired he can lay him down and rest