Fragment from Ormskirk (Lancashire) : Pace-egging Song - 1930

{The Pace-egging Song}

{As sung at the present time in Lathom and Burscough, Ormskirk District.}

[MIDI music sound file] [ABC music notation]

[Verse 1]

We're one or two jolly lads all in one mind,
We have come a pace-egging if you will prove kind,
With your eggs and strong beer we'll come no more here,
Till this time next year, when it's pace-egging time.
Fol the diddle ol-I-day, Fol the diddle ol-I-day.

[Verse 2]

The first that comes in is Lord Nelson you see,
He's a bunch of blue ribbons tied down to his knee,
He's a star on his breast like gold it doth shine,
I hope you'll remember it's pace-egging time.
Fol the diddle ol-, &c.

[Verse 3]

The next that comes in is our bold British Tar
He sailed with Lord Nelson enduring the war,
But now he's come back Old England to view,
He's come a pace-egging with our noble crew.
Fol the diddle ol-, &c.

[Verse 4]

The next that comes in is our Ladye do gay,
And from her own country she has run away,
With her red cap and feather she looks very fine,
And all her delight is in drinking red wine.
Fol the diddle ol-, &c.

[Verse 5]

The next that comes in is our Toss Pot you see,
He's a valiant old man in every degree,
He's a hump on his back and wears a pig-tail,
And all his delight is in drinking mulled ale.
Fol the diddle ol-, &c.

[Verse 6]

Good Master and Mistress, who sit by the fire,
Put your hand in your pocket and give our desire;
Put your hand in your pocket and pull out your purse,
And give us a trifle, you'll ne'er be no worse.
Fol the diddle ol-, &c.