John Barleycorn Goodbye
By John Stark
Published 1919

[verse 1]
Oh John Barleycorn we’ll have to let you go.
You’ve made us many a merry time but also many a woe.
You’ve populated many jails and grave yards owe you much.
You’ve swiped the price of childrens bread
And lied to beat the Dutch.

[chorus]
No more will “Cholly” straggle home from two oclock to four
And fumble ’round an hour to find the key hole in the door.
No more he’ll sit and nod and blink­­ stupidity profound
And swear he’ll jump right in that bed
The next time it comes ’round.

[verse 2]
Oh John for bloody brawls you're famous far and wide.
You change good Doctor Jeckel to the villain Mister Hyde.
You’ve separated man and wife, raised many a family storm.
You’ve tacked a big bay window John
On many a perfect form.

[repeat chorus]