I am the cooper: I bind the cask:
The sweat flows down as I drive my task;
Yet on with the hoop! And merry's the sound
As I featly pound,
And with block and hammer go travelling round,
And round and round.
I am the cooper: I bind the cask;
And gay as play is my nimble task;
And though I grow crooked with stooping to pound,
Yet merry's the sound
As with block and with hammer I journey round
And round and round.
I am the cooper: I bind the cask:
Am healthy and happy—what more shall I ask?
Not in king's palaces, I'll be bound,
Such joy is found,
Where men do nothing, and still go round,
And round and round.
So I'll still be a cooper, and bind the cask:
Bread for children and wife is all I ask;
And glad will they be at night, I'll be bound,
That, with cheerful sound,
Father all day went a-hammering round,
And round and round.