Lyr Req: A song beg. 'Of all the songs I like...

Subject: Lyr Req: A song beg. 'Of all the songs I like...
From: GUEST,BB
Date: 04 Nov 23 - 11:32 AM

I've been asked to find a song that begins, 'Of all the songs I like to sing, a drinking song's the best.' I have vague memories of it, but can't locate it anywhere. Having had to downsize, all our songbooks have had to go, but if anyone knows this, I'd be most grateful.
Thanks in advance.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A song beg. 'Of all the songs I like...
From: Helen
Date: 04 Nov 23 - 01:51 PM

hi GUEST,BB,

To help with the search could you provide more information, please?

The usual questions:

Do you remember any more of the lyrics? Please post what you remember to help with internet searches.

When did you hear it or see it in written music collections? If it was in written music collections, what sort of collections are you likely to have seen it in?

Was it recorded? Did you hear it on the radio, see it on TV, hear it on vinyl, CD, digital, YouTube, etc?

Did you hear it live?

Singer(s) male, female, a group, solo?
Musicians? what instruments were used?

Lively, haunting, slow, fast, dance tune, etc, etc?


Any more information would be helpful.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A song beg. 'Of all the songs I like...
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 05 Nov 23 - 01:56 PM

There's another thread (from 11 years ago) about this song, here: So sing a song, a drinking song.

It gives a bit more, but it's incomplete, according to the person who posted it::

Of all the songs, I'd like to sing
A drinking song's the best, sir,
And with my pint pot in my hand
I'll put it to the test, sir.

CHORUS: So sing a song, a drinking song
And sing it just for pleasure
And when that song be o'er and done
We'll have another measure.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A song beg. 'Of all the songs I like...
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 05 Nov 23 - 02:11 PM

By the way, while searching for these lyrics, I ran across this book: Do Let’s Have Another Drink: The Singular Wit and Double Measures of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother by Gareth Russell.

The phrase "Do let's have another drink" fits both the rhythm and sense of the song in question. If the phrase hasn't been used in a song, it ought to be!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A song beg. 'Of all the songs I like...
From: cnd
Date: 05 Nov 23 - 04:39 PM

From that other thread, the song can be heard on the Victory Morris Singers CD Heave the Lead, track 11: "Drinking Song." It can be purchased for 7 pounds at The Morris Shop.

I have been unable to locate a recording online.