Monica Grabin: Music/Programs

I first leaned this on an Ian and Sylvia recording in the ‘60s and have always loved the melody. I practiced a long time to be able to play the tune up to speed, and it’s still not fiddling tempo!

LYRICS

I am a little beggarman, a beggar I have been,
For three score or more in this little isle of green.
I'm known from the Liffey down to Segue,
And I'm known by the name of old Johnny Dhu.
Of all the trades a-goin' now, sure, beggin' is the best,
For when a man is tired, he can lay down and rest.
He can beg for his supper, for there's nothin' more to do,
Only cut around the corner with his old rigadoo.

I slept in a barn way down in Currabahn,
A wet night come on and I slept till the dawn,
With holes in the roof and the rain comin' through,
And the cats and the rats, they was playin' peek-a-boo.
Who should awaken but the lady of the house,
With her white spotty apron and her calico blouse.
She began to frighten, and I says "Boo!"
Don't be afraid, ma'am, it's only Johnny Dhu.

I met a little flaxy-haired girl one day,
Good morning, little flaxy-haired girl, I did say.
Good mornin', little beggarman, and how do you do,
With your rags and your tags, and your old rigadoo.
Buy a pair of leggins and a collar and a tie,
And a nice young lady I will fetch by and by.
Buy a pair of goggles and I'll color them blue,
And an old-fashioned lady I will make her, too.

Over the hills with a pack on my back.
Over the hills, with me great heavy sack.
With holes in my boots and me toes peepin' through,
Singin' skinamarinkadoodle, and it's only Johnny Dhu.
Must be goin' to bed, for it's gettin' late at night,
The fire's all raked, and out goes the light.
And now you've heard the story of my old rigadoo.
It's good-bye, and God be with you, says old Johnny Dhu.