O.k. looking here for information.

The version of this in the DT is close enough to what I used to hear at my local, that it is probably accurate. But... although I cannot recall who used to sing it, there were a couple of small variations (as I remember it) that seem to make sense.
I have searched (googled) but cannot find a version that matches my recollection.
Can someone please put my mind at rest as to whether the DT version is the 'standard' (& I'm suffering from memory distortion), or if the version I recall is a valid (recognised) variant.

DT Version
Of all the money that e'er I spent
I've spent it in good company
And all the harm that ever I did
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

If I had money enough to spend
And leisure to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in the town
That sorely has my heart beguiled
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips
I own she has my heart enthralled
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

Oh, all the comrades that e'er I had
They're sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be with you all

The variations I recall are for all 3 verses.

V1. L3 "It was, alas, to none but me" (change of word order)
V1. L4 "and all I've said, for want of wit"

V2. L2 "And leisure for to sit awhile" (fits scansion)
V2. L3 "There is a fair maid in this town"
V2. L4 "That sorely does my heart beguile" (better rhyme)
V2. L6 "I own she has my heart in thrall" (better rhyme)

V3. L3 "And all the sweethearts that e'er I kissed"
V3. L4 "Would wish me one more night to stay" (avoids awkward late rhyme in line)



Cheers


Nigel