from the singing of Bob Arnold

I'm a poor wand'ring sailor, my name it is Jack
My clothes are all tattered and scarce hang on my back
My belly 'tis empty and my feet they are sore
Won't you buy a case of needles from Jack that's so poor

ch.
Needlecases won't you buy one
Oh you'll buy one I'm sure
You'll buy a case of needles
From Jack that's so poor

I once was a farmer, I followed the plough
Don't think I'm a charmer, just look at me now
All tattered in rags from the bottom to top
Don't think that I'm a poor silly wandering rag shop

Once I had a table all lined with good food
For eating and drinking of all that is good
But now I've no table, no things and all that
I'm forced to get a crust with the crown of my hat

Now since you'll not buy one, I find I must leave
To leave such good company it does my heart grieve
It does my heart grieve, but if I should come back
Will you buy a case of needles from poor wandering Jack?

As far as I know this is a post Napoleonic war begging song. Times were hard (see "The Hard Times of Old England") and the soldiers and sailors returning home from war only made things much harder.

:-)
Ian