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.
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.