trad 1700s
Collected across southern England, in Scotland, and Kentucky. It also appeared on broadsides and in songsters. It may be the basis of Robert Burns’ O Gude Ale Comes, published 1803 which is the earliest datable reference, although some date it to the first half of the eighteenth century.
The Copper Family: Good Ale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_gWPEJPzZg
It’s of good ale to you I’ll sing And to good ale I’ll always cling I like my cup filled to the brim And I’ll drink all you care to bring Chorus Oh good ale, thou art my darling Thou art my joy both night and morning It’s you that helps me with my work. And from tasks I’ll never shirk While I can get a good home brew And better than one pint I like two I love you in the early morn, I love you daylight, dark or dawn And when I’m weary, worn or spent It’s turn the tap and ease the vent It’s you that makes my friends and foes. It’s you that makes me wear old clothes But since you come so near my nose It’s up you comes and down you goes And if all my friends from Adam’s race Were to meet me here all in this place I could part from all without one fear Before I’d part from my good beer You’ve caused me debts and I’ve often swore, I never would drink strong ale no more But you for all that I’ll forgive And I’ll drink strong ale as long as I live.