1. I'd just as soon be a beggar as a king, And the reason I'll tell you for why; A king cannot swagger, nor drink like a beggar, Nor be half so happy as I. Chorus Let the back and the sides go bare, my boys, Let the hands and the feet gang cold: But give to the belly, boys, beer enough, Whether it be new or old. 2. I've sixpence in my pocket And I've worked hard for it, Kind landlord, here it is. Neither Jew nor Turk shall make me work, While begging is as good as it is. 3. Sometimes we call at a nobleman's hall, And beg for bread and beer; Sometimes we are lame, sometimes we are blind, Sometimes too deaf to hear. 4. Sometimes we lie like hogs in a stye With a flock of straw on the ground; Sometimes eat a crust that has roll'd in the dust, And are thankful that it can be found.