Back

The Begging Song Tab

by Martin Carthy


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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Martin Carthy - The Begging Song
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                            
Of all the trades in England the beggin' is the best
                                            
For when a beggar's tired he can lay him down and rest

Chorus (after each verse):

And a-beggin' I will go
                  
And a-beggin' I will go 

                                                 
I got on the train in Carlisle they kicked me out at Crewe
                                            
I slept on every paving-stone from there to Waterloo

                                                  
I got breakfast off the Embankment I got my lunch and tea
                                                       
And only the finest cardboard made a home that was fit for me

                                                            
We sit on the stair at Leicester Square from seven o'clock till ten
                                                                
Then round the back of the Connaught House for dinner from out of a bin

                                              
I can rest when I am tired and I heed no master's bell
                                              
A man'd be daft to be a king when beggars live so well

                                             
The law came down to see us they came down three together
                                                        
They put out the fire they left us there Oh Lord how we did shiver

                                  
I am a Victorian value I'm enterprise poverty
                                           
Completely invisible to the state and a joy to Mrs T

                                            
Of all the trades in England the beggin' is the best
                                            
For when a beggar's tired he can lay him down and rest