The Miller of Dee

Originally published in The Convivial Songster, 1782

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 this the burden of his song for ever us'd to be I care for nobody, no, not I, if nobody cares for me. 2. 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. 3. When Spring begins its merry career, oh! how his heart grows gay; No summer drought alarms his fears, nor winter's sad decay; No foresight mars the miller's joy, who's wont to sing and say Let others toil from year to year, I live from day to day. 4. 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."