They released one Ep, E.P.onymous in October 2004, and five albums, Burlesque in October 2006, Matachin in October 2008, Hedonism in October 2010, Broadside in October 2012 and Revival in June 2014.
http://www.bellowhead.co.uk/releases.html
They announced in 2015 that the 2016 tour would be the last.
www.bellowhead.co.uk/home/item/142-thats-all-folks.html
Band Members ...
Jon Boden - lead vocals and fiddle
John Spiers - melodeon & concertina
Benji Kirkpatrick - bouzouki, guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo
Paul Sartin - Fiddle, oboe and vocals
Rachael McShane - Cello, fiddle, vocals
Ed Neuhauser - Sousaphone, Helicon & Tuba
Pete Flood - percussion
Andy Mellon - trumpet & flugelhorn
Brendan Kelly - soprano & tenor saxes, bass clarinet
Justin Thurgur - trombone
Sam Sweeney - Fiddle, Bagpipes
www.bellowhead.co.uk/band.html
A-Begging I Will Go
Bellowhead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For when a beggar's tired, he can lay him down to rest
And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
I've a pocket for my oatmeal and another for my salt
And with my leg and crutches you should see how I can bolt
There's patches on my coat, and on my right eye too
When it comes to pretty girls, I can see as well as you
And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
Instrumental
My trousers are all ragged, and my heart is free from care
If I can eat and drink, m' boys, my backside can go bare
And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
There's a bed for me in any town, and I've no rent to pay
There's many a right and willing lass I've bedded in the hay
And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
I've got no tax to pay, and I heed no master's bell
Who would be a king when a beggar does so well?
And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
Instrumental
Of all the trades in England, the begging is the best
For when a beggar's tired, he can lay him down to rest
And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
The song "A-Begging I Will Go" is a traditional English folk song that tells the story of a beggar who believes that begging is the best trade in England because he can rest whenever he wants. He describes his poverty by telling us that his coat is patched, his trousers ragged, and his heart free from care. Even with his disability, which he describes as needing crutches to walk, he can still run fast enough to get away from those who chase him. He even claims that he can see as well as anyone else despite his defective eye. He is able to eat and drink, and his backside can go bare. He says that he can find a bed in any town and that he has no rent to pay.
The song paints an ironic picture of the life of a beggar, as it is usually considered a less-than-ideal way of life. However, the beggar in the song seems to be enjoying his life, making the best out of his situation. The theme of the song also calls into question the values of society, suggesting that sometimes taking the so-called "easy way out" can actually be a better choice.
Overall, the song seems to be a lighthearted celebration of the beggar's life as it was seen in England at the time. It highlights the important role that the poor and the working class played in society and acknowledges the resilience and resourcefulness of those who are forced to live in poverty.
Line by Line Meaning
Of all the trades in England, the begging is the best
Begging is the best trade in England
For when a beggar’s tired, he can lay him down to rest
A beggar can rest when he's tired
And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
I will go begging
I’ve a pocket for my oatmeal and another for my salt
I have pockets for oatmeal and salt
And with my leg and crutches you should see how I can bolt
I can move quickly despite my crutches
There’s patches on my coat, and on my right eye too
My coat and eye are patched
When it comes to pretty girls, I can see as well as you
I can see pretty girls just as well as you
My trousers are all ragged, and my heart is free from care
My trousers are ragged, but I don't care
If I can eat and drink, m’ boys, my backside can go bare
As long as I have food and drink, I don't care if my backside is bare
There’s a bed for me in any town, and I’ve no rent to pay
I can find a bed in any town and don't have to pay rent
There’s many a right and willing lass I’ve bedded in the hay
I've slept with many willing women in the hay
I’ve got no tax to pay, and I heed no master’s bell
I don't pay taxes and don't work for anyone
Who would be a king when a beggar does so well?
Begging is so good, who needs to be a king?
And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
I will keep begging
Of all the trades in England, the begging is the best
Begging is still the best trade in England
And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
I will never stop begging
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
Begging is my life
A-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
I will keep begging forever
And a-begging I will go, and a-begging I will go
Begging is all I know
Contributed by Christian G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Amelia K
I can certainly feel the passion in their talent.
Jonts
Brill taste in music :)
PuissantAlgernon
I like the echoes of 'Childgrove' that play in the solos here.
Hannah Selby-Hughes
They're playing Camden on the 7th of November. I want to go soooo badly!
Morag Gardinor
What is the name of the instrumental bit, I know the tune just not it's name
Nathan Miller
No offence, but this kinda ruined the song :S