Lloyd recorded many albums of English folk music, most notably several albums of the Child Ballads with Ewan MacColl. He also published many books on folk music and related topics, including The Singing Englishman, Come All Ye Bold Miners, and Folk Song in England. He was a founder-member of Topic Records and remained as their artistic director until his death. He died at his home in Greenwich in 1982.
While Lloyd is most widely known for his work with British folk music, he had a keen interest in the music of Spain, Latin America, Southeastern Europe and Australia (he recorded at least 6 discs of Australian Bush Ballads and folk music).
A Jug Of Punch
A.L. Lloyd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One summer evening in the month of June
The small birds sat on an ivy bunch
And the song they sang was the Jug of Punch.
What more diversion could a man require
Than to settle down by the ale-house fire,
With a fine red pippin to crack and crunch,
Let the doctors come with all their arts
They'll make no impression upon my heart
Even the cripple forgets his hunch
When he's snug outside of a jug of punch.
If I drink too much, well, my money's my own,
And them as don't like it can leave me alone
But I'll tune my fiddle and I'll rosin my bow
And I'll be welcome wherever I go.
Too-ra-loo-ra-lay, too-ra-loo-ra-loo,
And if I get drunk well that's nothing to you
Oh my jug of punch and my jug of punch
This song I'm singing is the Jug of Punch.
The song "A Jug Of Punch" by A.L Lloyd tells the story of a man who is enjoying a summer evening in June with a glass, spoon and a jug of punch. It is said that the song is centuries old and has been performed throughout Ireland and Britain. The lyrics describe the serene scene where the man is sitting and enjoying himself while listening to the birds singing a tune about a jug of punch.
The song goes on to explain how the man is content with his life and that nothing can change his heart or his love for the jug of punch. The lyrics suggest that the man has embraced his love for alcohol and that he is happy with his decision to live his life in this manner. The song also indicates that the man is comfortable being himself, and he doesn't care what others think of him.
What makes this song so appealing is its simplicity in storytelling. The lyrics are easy to remember, and it tells a story of how one man can find joy in his life with a jug of punch. It also highlights the importance of being true to oneself and not caring about what others think.
Line by Line Meaning
As I was sitting with my glass and spoon
I was enjoying my drink and utensils
One summer evening in the month of June
It was a warm June night
The small birds sat on an ivy bunch
Birds nearby sang a sweet tune
And the song they sang was the Jug of Punch.
They sang about the drink known as Jug of Punch
What more diversion could a man require
There's no better entertainment for me
Than to settle down by the ale-house fire,
I'm content to sit by the fireplace and drink
With a fine red pippin to crack and crunch,
And enjoy an apple while I drink
And on the table a jug of punch.
And of course, a jug of Punch on the table
Let the doctors come with all their arts
I won't listen to what the doctors say
They'll make no impression upon my heart
Their words won't change my mind about drinking
Even the cripple forgets his hunch
Even someone with troubles can forget them with drink
When he's snug outside of a jug of punch.
When they're enjoying a Jug of Punch
If I drink too much, well, my money's my own,
If I drink excessively, it's my responsibility not others'
And them as don't like it can leave me alone
And if someone dislikes it, they can go elsewhere
But I'll tune my fiddle and I'll rosin my bow
I'll play my fiddle and prepare my bow
And I'll be welcome wherever I go.
And I'm always welcome, wherever I bring my music
Too-ra-loo-ra-lay, too-ra-loo-ra-loo,
A nonsensical refrain
And if I get drunk well that's nothing to you
No one has the right to judge how much I drink
Oh my jug of punch and my jug of punch
The Jug of Punch is my favorite drink
This song I'm singing is the Jug of Punch.
And this song is all about my love for it
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Arr: LLOYD, ALBERT LANCASTER, TRAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind