Oh Good Ale

(collected by the Copper Family)

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 morning.

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 you in daylight dark or dawn, And when I'm weary, worn or spent I turn the tap and ease the vent,

[Chorus]

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

[Chorus]

If all my friends from Adam's race Were to meet me here all in this place, I could part from all without one tear Before I'd part from my good beer,

[Chorus]

And if my wife did me despise How soon I'd give her two black eyes, But if she loved me like I love thee What a happy couple we should be,

[Chorus]

You have caused me debts and I've often swore That I never would drink strong ale no more, But you for all that I forgive And I'll drink strong ale just as long as I live,

[Chorus]