trad
John Connolly wrote in 2004: “This comes from Alfred Williams’ collection of traditional song lyrics Folk-Songs of the Upper Thames-the splendid tune was written by ace fiddler Paul Bellamy”. Williams calls it “A very old song. Obtained by David Sawyer.”
The Davenport Family: https://gavinandamydavenport.bandcamp.com/track/joke-and-push-about-the-pitcher
https://gavinandamydavenport.bandcamp.com/track/joke-and-push-about-the-pitcher
The silver moon that shines so bright I swear with reason is my teacher. And, if my midnight glass runs right, There’s time to drink another pitcher. Chorus: It’s not yet day. It’s not yet day. Why should we forsake good liquor? ‘Til the sunbeams round us play Let’s joke and push about the pitcher. I dearly love a hearty man- No sniggering milk-sop Jimmy Twitcher – That loves a lass, and loves a glass, And loudly calls for another pitcher. They say that we must work all day, And sleep at night to wake much richer; But what is all the world I say Compared to mirth, my friend, and pitcher. Though one may boast a handsome wife, Yet still strange vagaries may bewitch her; Unvexed I’ll lead a cheerful life, And boldly call for another pitcher.