Well, I am a little beggarman, a begging I have been,
For three score or more in the little isle of green;
All over the Liffey and down to Segue,
I'm known by the name of auld Johnny Dhu.

Of all the trades a going, begging is the best,
When a man gets tired he can sit down and rest;
Sing for his supper when there's nothing left to do,
When I come around the corner with me old rigadoo.

I went to a barn, went down to Currabawn,
Got down on the floor and I slept till the dawn;
Holes in the roof and the rain seeping thru,
Me toes froze together in me little beggar shoes.

Buy a pair of leggings and a collar and a tie,
A nice old lady you will find by and by;
Buy a pair of leggings and I'll color them blue,
For a foxy old lady I'll make her do.

(way hey and away we go)

I met a little flaxen haired girl one day,
Good morning, little flaxen haired girl, I did say;
Good morning, little beggarman, how do you do,
With your bags and your rags and your auld rigadoo?

Who should I waken but the woman of the house,
With her white spotted apron and her calico blouse;
She began to frighten so I said boo,
Sure, don't be afraid, it's only Johnny Dhu.

Over the road with me pack on me back,
Over all the fields with me big heavy sack;
Over the hills with the moon peeking through,
Singing, skin a ma rink a doodle on me auld rigadoo.

I must be going to bed, it's getting late at night,
The fire is all out, so out goes the light;
Now you've heard the story of the auld rigadoo,
So good night and God be with you, this is auld Johnny Dhu.