Henry's Songbook

Hey John Barleycorn, Ho John Barleycorn
Old and young his praise is sung
John Barleycorn

John Barleycorn is a hero bold
As any in the land
His fame has stood for ages good
And shall forever stand
The whole wide world respects him
No matter friend or foe
And where they be that makes too free
He's sure to lay them low

To see him in his pride of growth
His robes are rich and green
His head is speared with goodly beard
Fit nigh to serve a Queen
And when the harvest time comes round
And John is stricken down
He'll use his blood for England's good
And Englishmens' renown

The lord in courtly castle
The squire in stately hall
The great of name, of birth and fame
On John for succour call
He bids the troubled heart rejoice
Gives warmth to Nature's call
Makes weak men strong and old men young
And all men brave and bold

(as sung by Robin Dransfield)

[1976:] Another paean of praise to the English Dionysos. It is from the singing of George Attrill of Fittleworth, Sussex, but had been altered quite a lot before it got on this record. (Vic Gammon, notes 'The Tale of Ale')

Further notes see John Barleycorn