[Verse 1]
I am a little beggarman, a beggar I've been
For three score or more in this little isle of green
I'm known from the Liffey down to Segue
And I'm known by the name of Beau Johnny Dhu

[Verse 2]
Of all the trades a-goin', I'm sure beggin' is the best
For when a man is tired, he can lay down and rest
He can beg for his dinner for he's nothing else to do
Only cut around the corner with his old rig-a-doo

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]
I slept in a barn way down at Caurabawn
A wet night come on, and we slept 'til the dawn
With holes in the roof and the a-rain comin' through
And thе cats and the rats, they werе playin' peek-a-boo

[Verse 4]
Who should awaken but the woman of the house
With her white spotted apron and her calico blouse
She began to frighten, and I said, "Boo"
And "Don't be afraid, ma'am, it's only Johnny Dhu"
[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 5]
I met a little flaxy-haired girl one day
"Good mornin', little flaxy-haired girl," I did say
"Good mornin', little beggarman, and how do you do
With your rags and your tags and your old rig-a-doo?"

[Verse 6]
Buy a pair of leggings and a collar and a tie
A nice little lady I will fetch by and by
Buy a pair of goggles, and I'll color them blue
And an old-fashioned lady I will make her, too

[Verse 7]
Over the fields with my pack on my back
Over the fields with my great, heavy sack
With holes in my shoes and my toes a-peekin' through
Singin', "Skin-em-rinky-doodle and it's old Johnny Dhu"

[Verse 8]
Must be goin' to bed for it's gettin' late at night
The fire's all raked, and out goes the light
Now, you've heard the story of my old rig-a-doo
"It's goodbye and God be with you," said old Johnny Dhu