John Barleycorn

[Verse 1: Singers 1 & 2]
There were three men cam' frae the west
Three men baith great and high
And they beswore a solemn oath
John Barleycorn should die

[Chorus: all]
Oh, oh, John Barley
Oh John Barleycorn
It would break the heart of a dying man
To hear John Barley mourn

[Verse 2: Singers 1 & 2]
Well they took a scythe baith long and sharp
And they cut him below the knee
And they tied him fast upon a cart
Like a rogue for felony
Well they roasted him over a scorching flame
'Till the marrow ran out of his bones!
And the miller, he used him worse than that
And crushed him between two stones

[Chorus: all]
Oh, oh, John Barley
Oh John Barleycorn
It would break the heart of a dying man
To hear John Barley mourn

[Verse 3: Singers 1 & 2]
Now John Barleycorn, he was a hero bold
Of noble enterprise
And if you do but taste his blood
It'll mak' your courage rise
An' here's a health tae John Barley
Raise your glasses in your hand!
And may his brae prosperity
To England and Scotland (Scotland!)

[Chorus: all]
Oh, oh, John Barley
Oh John Barleycorn
It would break the heart of a dying man
To hear John Barley mourn

[Chorus: all]
Oh, oh, John Barley
Oh John Barleycorn
It would break the heart of a dying man
To hear John Barley mourn