"Hey John Barleycorn" lyrics

Hey, John Barleycorn
Oh, John Barleycorn
Old and young, your praise is sung
John Barleycorn

John Barleycorn is a hero bold as any in the land
For ages good, his fame has stood, and will for ages stand
The whole wide world respect him, no matter friend or foe
And where they be that makes to free, he's sure to lay them low

Hey, John Barleycorn
Oh, John Barleycorn
Old and young, your praise is sung
John Barleycorn

To see him in his pride of growth, his robes are rich and green
His head is speared with prickly beard, fit nigh to serve the Queen
And when the reaping time comes 'round, and John is stricken down
He yields his blood for England's good and Englishmen's renown

Hey, John Barleycorn
Oh, John Barleycorn
Old and young, your praise is sung
John Barleycorn

The lord in courtly castle, and the squire in stately hall
The great of name in birth and fame on John for succor call
He bids the troubled heart rejoice, gives warmth to nature's cold
Makes weak men strong and old ones young and all men brave and bold

Hey, John Barleycorn
Oh, John Barleycorn
Old and young, your praise is sung
John Barleycorn

Then shout for great John Barleycorn, or heed the luscious vine
I have no mind much charm to find in potent draught of wine
Give me my native nut-brown ale, all other drinks I'll scorn
For English cheer is English beer, our own John Barleycorn

Hey, John Barleycorn
Oh, John Barleycorn
Old and young, your praise is sung
John Barleycorn
John Barleycorn