Another song Cliff pulls out but not as commonly as in earlier days.\u00a0 Too mellow for the louder crowds.\u00a0 It is also known as “The Farmer’s Arms” and even “Success to the Farmer”.\u00a0 In one form or another it dates to the 15th century, according to most sources, and refers to “Plough Monday” which is the first Monday after the Twelfth Day of Christmas – this marked the end of the holiday celebrations and the first day back to labour.\u00a0 However, this version and melody is essentially from around 1800, with some variation, and can be found in the 1801 edition of The Farmer’s Almanac published in Boston.<\/p>\n
Jos. Morneault<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Come all jolly fellows who long to be mellow
\nAttend unto me, and sit easy.
\nA pint when it’s quiet, my boys let us try it
\nDull thinking will drive a man crazy<\/p>\n
Chorus: For here I am king, I can laugh, drink, or sing Chorus:<\/p>\n Let the wealthy and great roll in splendour and state My ploughing and sewing and reaping and mowing Chorus:<\/p>\n\n\t\t
\nI have lawns, I have bowers
\nI have fruit, I have flowers
\nAnd the lark is my morning alarmer
\nSo my jolly boys, now, <\/i><\/strong>
\nHere’s Godspeed\u00a0the Plow
\nLong life and success to the Farmer<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n<\/i> Draw near to my table my boys when you\u2019re able
\nLet me hear not one word of complaining
\nFor the tinkling of glasses all music surpasses
\nAnd I long to hear bottles a-draining<\/p>\n
\nAnd let no man approach as a stranger
\nBut show me the ass who refuses a glass
\nAnd I’ll treat him to hay in the manger<\/p>\n
\nI envy them not, I declare it
\nFor I eat my own ham, my own chickens and lamb
\nAnd I shear my own fleece and I wear it<\/p>\n
\nKing Nature supplies me with plenty
\nI\u2019ve a cellar well stored and a plentiful board
\nAnd my garden affords every dainty.<\/p>\n