Lyrics and introductory note copied from Folk Song in Buchan by Gavin Grieg (Peterhead: P. Scrogie, 1906), page 31:

One characteristic feature of our Scottish life in bygone days was the presence and potency of the beggar. The progress of social economics has led to the abolition, in theory at least, of begging; but in former times the Gaberlunzie not only had place and recognition accorded him in the social system, but, as real or supposititious, became the subject of many a ballad and ditty. Some of these, like "The Beggar Man," and "The Beggar's Dawtie," are still widely popular. More recent is "The Begging Trade."—


THE BEGGING TRADE

1. O' a' the trades that man can try
The beggin' is the best,
For when a man is wearied
He can sit down and rest.

CHORUS: To the beggin' I will go, will go,
To the beggin' I will go.

2. Afore that I dae gang awa:
I'll lat my beard grow lang,
And for my nails I winna pare,
For beggars wears them lang.

3. And I will get a meal pock
Made o' the leather reed,
And it will haud twa firlots
Wi' room for beef and breid.

4. Syne I'll gang till a cobbler
And gar him mak' my sheen
Wi' twa three inches roon aboot,
A' clouted owre abeen.

5. And I'll gang till a hatter
And gar him mak' a hat
Wi' twa three inches roon aboot,
A' sheenin' owre wi' fat.

6. At marriage or at market fair,
Though it be far or near,
I'll mak' a point for to be there,
For what ye needna speir.

7. For some will gie me beef and breid,
And some will gie me cheese,
And roon amo' the marriage folk
I'll gather bawbees.

8. Gin I come on as I wad like
I will come back and tell;
But gin the trade gang——
I'll keep it tae mysel'.