ALTERED DAYS (w. John Barr attrib/m. Anon) When to New Zealand first I cam’ Poor and duddy, poor and duddy It was a happy day, sirs For I was fed on parritch thin My taes they stickit thro’ my shoon I ruggit at the pouken pin But could’ mak’ it pay, sirs Baith nicht and day upon the board Ruggin’ at it, tuggin’ at it I strived to please a paper lord Wha once had been a weaver But he got up and I got down I wandered idly thro’ the town A tattered bonnet on my croon And wasna worth a steever Nae mair the laird comes for his rent For his rent, for his rent When I hae nocht to pay, sirs Nae mair he’ll take me aff the loom Wi’ hangin’ lip and pouches toom To touch my hat and boo to him The like was never kent, sirs But now it’s altered days, I trow A weel a wat, a weel a wat The beef is tumblin’ in the pat And I’m baith fat and fu’, sirs At my door cheeks there’s bread and cheese I work or no’ just as I please I’m fairly settled at my ease And that’s the way o’t noo, sirs Youtube clip Scots in NZ --Stewie.
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