MILLER OF THE DEE
(learned from Richard Dyer-Bennett in about 1959)
There was a jolly miller who lived by the river Dee
I live by my mill, God bless her well, she's kindred, child, and wife
When spring begins her bright career, o how his heart grows gay!
Thus like the miller bold and gay, let us rejoice and sing;
(from miriam berg's folksong collection)
He danced and sang from morn till night, no lark more blithe than he
And this the burden of his song forever used to be
I care for nobody, no, not I, if nobody cares for me
I would not change my station now for anyone in life
No lawyer, surgeon, or doctor e'er got a groat from me,
I care for nobody, no, not I, if nobody cares for me
No summer drought alarms his fears, nor winter's sad delay;
No foresight mars the miller's joy, who was often wont to say,
While others live from year to year, I live from day to day.
The days of youth are meant for glee, and time is on the wing;
This song shall pass from me to thee, with this a jovial ring:
Let heart and voice they all agree and say, Long live the king!