"The Lincolnshire Poacher" is an English folk song used as an unofficial regional song for the British county of Lincolnshire. The lyrics are sung in a joyous manner toward poaching. The song has existed since as early as the 18th century, and it is said that this song had been a favourite of King George IV.[1][2]
Lyrics[]
When I was bound apprentice in famous Lincolnshire,
I serv’d my master truly, for nearly seven odd year,
Till I took up to poaching, as you shall quickly hear.
Oh, ’tis my delight on a shining night, in the season of the year.
As me and my companions were setting up a snare,
The gamekeeper was watching us – for him we did not care,
For we can wrestle and fight, my boys, and jump o’er anywhere.
Oh, ’tis my delight on a shining night, in the season of the year.
As me and my companions were setting four or five,
And taking on ’em up again, we took a hare alive,
We plopped her into my bag, my boys, and through the woods did steer.
Oh, ’tis my delight on a shining night, in the season of the year.
We threw him over our shoulders, and wandered through the town,
We called into a neighbour’s house, and sold her for a crown,
We sold her for a crown, my boys, but I did not tell you where.
Oh, ’tis my delight on a shining night, in the season of the year.
Success to every gentleman that lives in Lincolnshire (also: Bad luck to every magistrate)
Success to every poacher that wants to sell a hare,
Bad luck to every gamekeeper that will not sell his deer.
Oh, ’tis my delight on a shining night, in the season of the year.[1][2]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Bell, Robert (1857). Ancient Poems, Ballads and Songs of the Peasantry of England London: John W. Parker and Son. pp. 216–217.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 'The Lincolnshire Poacher' The Royal Anglian and Royal Lincolnshire Regimental Association