John Barleycorn

Lyrics

[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