Book of Song

Good Ale

by trad

It is of good ale to you I’ll sing
and to good ale I’ll always cling
I like my mug filled to the brim
and I’ll drink all you’d like to bring

( Chorus
O, Good ale, thou art my darling
Thou art my joy, both night and morn- in’)

It is you that
helps me with my work
and from a task I’ll never shirk
While I can get a good home brew
and better than one pint I like two

Chorus

I love you in the early morn
I love in daylight, dark or dawn
and when I’m weary, worn or spent
I’ll turn the tap and ease the vent

Chorus

It is you that makes my friends my foes
it’s you that makes me wear old clothes
But since you’ve come so near my nose
it’s up you comes, and down you goes!

Chorus

You have caused me debts I’ve often swore
I never would drink strong ale no more
but for all that I’ll you forgive
and I’ll drink strong ale as long as I live

Chorus X2


‘Cause I only drink ale with my good friends
but they’re never quite with me till the end
I’ll pre-apologize for my blackout
from drinking good mead and too much stout.