Jolly Waggoner

When first I went a-waggoning, a-waggoning did go

Well it filled my poor old parents' hearts with sorrow grief and woe

And many are the hardships that since I've undergone

Sing woe, me lads, sing woe - drive on, me lads, drive on

Who wouldn't be for all the world a jolly waggoner

When it's belting down with rain my lads I get wetted to the skin

But I bear it with contented heart until I reach the inn

And I sit down a drinking with the landlord and his kin

Sing woe, me lads, sing woe - drive on, me lads, drive on

Who wouldn't be for all the world a jolly waggoner

Well things is greatly altered now and wagons few are seen

The world's turned topsy-turvy lads and things are run be steam

And the whole world passes before me just like a morning dream

Sing woe, me lads, sing woe - drive on, me lads, drive on

Who wouldn't be for all the world a jolly waggoner

Ay things is greatly altered now but then what can us do

The folks in power all take no heed to the likes of me and you

It's hardship for us workmen lads and a fortune for the few

Sing woe, me lads, sing woe - drive on, me lads, drive on

Who wouldn't be for all the world a jolly waggoner

Well Martinmas is coming lads what pleasures we shall see

Like chaff before the winds my lads we'll make our money flee

And every lad shall take his lass and he'll have her on his knee

Sing woe, me lads, sing woe - drive on, me lads, drive on

Who wouldn't be for all the world a jolly waggoner