I'D RATHER BE A BEGGAR WITH YOU
Words by Oliver Perry, music by Irving King, ©1932.
As recorded by Ray Noble's Orchestra, with Al Bowlly, vocalist. [But see footnote.]

VERSE: I don't envy a millionaire.
Wealth brings nothing but loads of care.
I'm contented to be in love with you.
Happiness isn't hard to find
With somebody that's sweet and kind.
I'd be happy in any place with you.

CHORUS: With you I know I'd be so content
Although I hadn't even a cent. [or "Though I were poor and hadn't a cent."]*
I'd rather be a beggar with you than a king with somebody else.
Though I were rich [or "I realize"]*, how blue I would be
Without you there to fuss over me.
I'd rather be a beggar with you than a king with somebody else.
Life isn't ever a joke, dear, [or "Fortune may vanish in smoke, dear"]*
To hearts that are empty and bare. [or "And my lucky breaks may be rare"]*
I could be happy though broke, dear,
With you beside me to care.
A humble nest, a shack in the lane,
With you would be a castle in Spain.
I'd rather be a beggar with you than a king with somebody else.


* Alternative lyrics in brackets are from a recording by Chick Bullock's Levee Loungers