The Little Vagabond Lyrics

Dear mother, dear mother, the church is cold

But the ale-house is healthy and pleasant and warm

Besides I can tell where I am use'd well

Such usage in heaven will never do well

But if at the church they would give us some ale

And a pleasant fire, our souls to regale

We'd sing and we'd pray, all the live-long day

Nor ever once wish from the church to stray

Then the parson might preach and drink and sing

And we'd be as happy as birds in the spring

And the modest dome Lurch, who is always at church

Would not have bandy children nor fasting nor birch

And God like a father rejoicing to see

His children as pleasant and happy as he

Would have no more quarrel with the Devil or the barrel

But kiss him and give him both drink and apparel