John Barleycorn is a hero bold as any in the land
His fame has stood for ages good and shall forever stand
The whole wide world respects him no matter friend or foe
And where they be that make too free he's sure to lay them low
Hey John Barleycorn
Ho John Barleycorn
Old and young, thy praises sung
John Barleycorn
To see him in his pride of growth his robes are rich and green
His head is speared with goodly beard fit nigh to serve a queen
And when the harvest time comes 'round and John is stricken down
He'll use his blood for England's good and Englishmens' renown
Hey John Barleycorn
Ho John Barleycorn
Old and young, thy praises sung
John Barleycorn
The lord in courtly castle, the squire in stately hall
The great of name, of birth and fame on John for succour call
He bids the troubled heart rejoice, gives warmth to nature's cold
Makes weak men strong, makes old men young, and all men brave and bold
Hey John Barleycorn
Ho John Barleycorn
Old and young, thy praises sung
John Barleycorn
Now shout for great John Barleycorn, ne'er heed the luscious vine
I have no mind much charm to find in a potent glass of wine
Give me my native nut-brown ale, all other drinks I'll scorn
For English cheer is English beer, our own John Barleycorn
Hey John Barleycorn
Ho John Barleycorn
Old and young, thy praises sung
John Barleycorn
Hey John Barleycorn
Ho John Barleycorn
Old and young, thy praises sung
John Barleycorn