John Barley Corn Must Die, & The Grape, A Crushing Romance

JOHN BARLEYCORN MUST DIE!

The 1970 rock and roll group Traffic, made popular this thirteenth century tongue and cheek Dirge of the futility of trying to kill King Alcohol.

John Barleycorn Must Die!

There were three men came out of the west,
Their fortunes for to try.
And these three men made a solemn vow:
John Barleycorn must die.

They’ve plowed, they’ve sown, they’ve harrowed him in,
Threw clods upon his head.
And these three men made a solemn vow:
John Barleycorn was dead.

They’ve let him lie for a very long time,
Till the rains from heavn did fall.
And little Sir John sprung up his head,
And so amazed them all.

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