Dave, the words that I have are these, I don't know where they came from, maybe Strawhead, and I know that the verses are different lengths. I've always sung the second half of the longer verses to the tune of the chorus.
Come all jolly fellows that delights in being mellow, attend unto me and sit easy, For a pint when it's quiet, come lads, let us try it, dull thinking can drive a man crazy. Chorus I have lawns, I have bowers, I have fruit, I have flowers, and the lark is my morning alarmer So, my jolly boys now, here's good health to the plough, long life and success to the farmer
Draw near to my table, my lads when you're able, let me hear not one word of complaining For the jingling of glasses all music surpasses and I long to see bottles a-draining For here I am king, I can dance, drink nd sing, let no man appproach as a stranger, But show me the ass that refuses a glass and I'll treat him to hay in a manger Chorus
Let the wealthy and great roll in splendour and state, I envy them not, I declare it For I eat my own ham, my own chicken and lamb, I shear my own fleece and I wear it. By ploughing and sowing, by reaping and mowing, dear nature affords me a-plenty I've a cellar well stored and a plentiful board and my garden provides every dainty Chorus
Were it not for my seeding you'd get but poor feeding, I'm sure you would all starve without me But I'm always content when I've paid my rent and I'm happy when friends are about me Chorus