Willie was a wanton wag (1823)/The jolly miller

For other versions of this work, see The Jolly Miller of the Dee.

THE JOLLY MILLER.

There was a jolly miller once
Liv'd on the river Dee,
He danc'd and he sang from morn till night,
No lark so blithe as he.
And ay the burden of his song
For ever us'd to be,
I care for nobody, no not I,
If nobody cares for me.

I live by my mill, God bless her,
She's kindred, child and wife;
I would not change my station
For any other in life.
No lawyer, surgeon, or doctor,
E'er had a groat from me.
I care for nobody, no not I,
If nobody cares for me.

When spring begins its merry career,
Oh how his heart grows gay;

Nor summer drouth alarms his fears,
Nor winter's sad decay,
No foresight mars the miller's joy,
Who's wont to sing and say,
I care for nobody, no not I,
If nobody cares for me.

Thus, like the miller, bold, and free,
Let us rejoice and sing;
The days of youth are made for glee,
And time is on the wing.
This song shall pass from me to thee,
Along this jovial ring;
Let heart and voice and all agree
To say—Long live the king.