Lyr Req: The Beggar (Fairport Convention)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Beggar (Fairport Convention)
From: GUEST,Geoff Lawes
Date: 04 May 05 - 11:15 AM

This song is well known in the tradition but I think it originated in the sixteenth century musical play Gammer Girtons Needle.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Beggar (Fairport Convention)
From: Snuffy
Date: 03 May 05 - 08:12 PM

Erlend, I presume English is not your first language. In that case the line could well seem very confusing. Adding a couple of commas might make it more clear: But give to the belly, boys, beer enough

Or in modern English (but does not fit the tune) Give the belly enough beer, boys

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Beggar (Fairport Convention)
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 02 May 05 - 03:57 PM

Belly boys beer enough is the correct line. Dave Burland also recorded a version of the song on his first Leader/trailer album "A Daleman's Litany" don't have his complete lyrics to give you at the moment. I have the fairport lp with the song and think there may be a lyric sheet on that, but don't have it close to hand.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Beggar (Fairport Convention)
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 02 May 05 - 03:46 PM

Have a look at this thread Lyr Req: Back and sides where you will find info and links to the song in the DT (The version Let the Back and sides go bare is the version you're interested in).

The thread Lyr Req: I'd rather be a beggar than a king also has some related links.

Mick

Subject: Lyr Req: The Beggar (Fairport Convention)
From: GUEST,Erlend Gjerde
Date: 02 May 05 - 02:56 PM

On one of their albums Fairport Convention has recorded a song called "The Beggar". The chorus goes like this:
Let the back and sides go bare me boys
Let the hands and the feet grow cold
But give to the belly boys beer enough
Whether it be new or old

At least it sounds like they sing "belly boys", but it sounds rather weird I think. On another thread here I saw "beggar boys" which is more meaningfull, anyone who's heard Fairport and care to explain?

I would also like to have the complete lyrics. I found the first and (I think) the last verse on another thread here, anyone who's got the two in the middle?