A comic song from 1828.
Arranged by Mr. Parnell.
An old song, elements of which were used for The Cork Leg. Melody however predates comic song, apparently going back centuries.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Ross Boyle:
Lyrics
- There was an old man in the west country
A flaw in his lease the lawyers had found
‘Twas all about felling of five oak trees
And building a house upon his own ground
Refrain
Ri tu, di nu, di nu, di nu
Ri tu, di ni nu, di nu, ri na
- Now this old chap to Lunnon would go
To tell the King a part of his grief
Likewise to tell him a part of his woe
In hopes King George would give him relief - Now when this old chap to Lunnon had come
He found the King to Windsor had gone
But if he’d h’a known he’d not been at whoam
He dang’d his buttons if ever he’d come - Now this chap to Windsor did stump
But the gates were barr’d and all secure
So he rapp’d and he thump’d wi his oaken clump
There be room for me within I’m sure - Pray Mr. Noble show I the King
What, be that the King that I see there?
I’ve seen a chap in our village fair
Look more like a King than that chap there - Pray Mr. King, and how do ye do?
I’ve gotton for you a bit of a job
Which if you’ll be so kind as to do
I’ve gotton a summat for you in my fob - The King he took the Lease in hand
And to sign it he were likewise willing
And the farmer to make him a bit of amends
He lugg’d out his poke and he giv’d him a shilling - The King to carry on the joke
He order’d ten pound to be laid down
The farmer stared but nothing spoke
He stared again & he scratch’d his crown - The farmer stared and look’d wondrous funny
But to pocket it he were likewise willing
But if he’d ha known he’d got so much money
He dang’d his buttons if he’d giv’n him that shilling