The Beggar
Embracing Joy in Humble Moments: The Beggar's Anthem by Steeleye Span
Lyrics
I'd rather be a beggar than a king
I prefer being a beggar over a king
Tell you the reason why
Explaining the reason behind the preference
A king can't swagger, nor drink like a beggar
A king can't boast or enjoy drinking like a beggar
Nor be half so happy as I
A beggar feels happier than a king
Let the back and sides go bare
Suggesting a willingness to endure hardship
Let the hands and feet go cold
Accepting discomfort in the extremities
Give to the belly beer enough
Emphasizing the importance of having enough beer for sustenance
Whether it be new or old
Whether the beer is new or old is irrelevant
Sometimes we call at a rich man's hall
Describing visits to the homes of wealthy individuals to ask for food and drink
To beg for bread and beer
Specifically seeking bread and beer
Sometimes we're lame, sometimes we're blind
Highlighting the variability in physical conditions of beggars
Sometimes too deaf to hear
Noting moments of impaired hearing
Let the back and sides go bare
Reiterating the acceptance of physical discomfort
Let the hands and feet go cold
Reaffirming endurance of cold extremities
Give to the belly beer enough
Repeating the importance of having sufficient beer
Whether it be new or old
Regardless of the beer being new or old
Sometimes we lie like hogs in the sty
Describing the humble conditions where beggars may rest
In a flock of straw on the ground
Lying down in straw on the ground
Sometimes eat a crust that's rolled in the dust
Occasionally eating a meager crust found in the dust
And are thankful it can be found
Expressing gratitude for whatever sustenance is available
Let the back and sides go bare
Reiterating the acceptance of physical discomfort
Let the hands and feet go cold
Reaffirming endurance of cold extremities
Give to the belly beer enough
Repeating the importance of having sufficient beer
Whether it be new or old
Regardless of the beer being new or old
From the hag and the hungry goblin
Referencing negative entities that could harm or impoverish
That into rags would rend you
Imagining beings that might tear one's clothing into rags
And the spirits that stand by the naked man
Mentioning protective spirits for the vulnerable
In the book of moons defend you
Guardianship of the naked man in the celestial record
That of your five sound senses
Wishing that one's senses remain intact
You never be forsaken
Expressing a desire to never be abandoned
Nor travel from yourselves with me
Advising against wandering away to beg for sustenance
Abroad to beg your bacon
Seeking self-sufficiency and independence
Let the back and sides go bare
Reiterating the acceptance of physical discomfort
Let the hands and feet go cold
Reaffirming endurance of cold extremities
Give to the belly beer enough
Repeating the importance of having sufficient beer
Whether it be new or old
Regardless of the beer being new or old
Let the back and sides go bare
Reiterating the acceptance of physical discomfort
Let the hands and feet go cold
Reaffirming endurance of cold extremities
Give to the belly beer enough
Repeating the importance of having sufficient beer
Whether it be new or old
Regardless of the beer being new or old
Comment