American Old Time Song Lyrics: 17 Adams Ale
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 17
ADAM'S ALE.
A glass of cold water I'll drink when I'm thirsty,
My lungs it will cool, and my spirits will cheer;
It makes me feel joyful, so healthy and happy!
Then, till up the pitcher, and hand it round here.
Away with your rum, punch, wine, beer and cider-
Your gin, rum and brandy will send you to jail!
Come all. you old drunkards, and join the tea-totallers,
And you'll have an abundance of Adam's good idea.
Contended I watch, and contended I study,
Contended I pray, and contended I sing;
I ne'er made a practice of drinking hot toddy,
For that is a vain and ungodly thing-
For, they that drink of it are poor wretched creatures,
With hunger their poor little children bewail;
Oh! come, drunken parents, provide for your family,
And join the blest band that drinks Adam's good ale.
The drunkard's a thief, a liar, and swearer,
A robber, and murderer of his own soul;
He starves and abuses and beggars his family-
He makes them go ragged, and filthy, and cold;
A robber of God, a seducer of neighbor,
A spoiler of Zion and her happy vale;
Ye, poor wretched creatures, come, give up your folly,
And join the blest band who drinks Adam's good ale.
The drunkard works hard, and he gives his week's wages
To furnish the landlord with every fine thing-
Fine beds and fine carpets and grand, splendid parlor,
A watch in his pocket, And jewels and rings;
A sumptuous living, and excellent clothing;
His wife dressed in silks, her gold ring, hat and veil-
Look 'round you, poor drunkard, examine your conduct,
And, now, make a trial of Adam's good ale.
This ale is so cheering, refreshing and cleansing-
It makes the whole world rich, healthy And gay;
It watered bright Eden, and Adam enjoyed it,
Before he transgressed or corrupted his way.
Not one single blessing, on this side of Jordan,
More free, meet or plenteous for man's happy vale;
It's granted in showers, sent down by the Powers
Of heaven, the Brewer of Adam's good ale!
