I Don't Work for a Living
From the singing of Carrie Milliner and the Bobbin
Family.
I Don't Work for a Living
(Mullan/Freeman - Early 20th Century?)
Arranged by Chloe and Jason Roweth.
Comic music-hall song, written by James J Mullan and Edward Leroy Freeman. Our version has a verse and chorus from Carrie, a verse collected from Ebb Wren of Forbes, and another chorus collected from Don Kinder. Every time we sing this song, we meet someone whose father also sang it!
Chorus:
I don't work for a living I get along alright without,
I don't toil all day, I suppose it's because I'm not built that way
Some people work for love and say it's all sunshine and gain,
But if I can't get sunshine without any work I think I'll stay out in the rain!
They say we're all born with a purpose, they say we're all born with a gift,
Some people like to be famous, I suppose it's by hard work and thrift.
There's lots of us fighting and striving, for a seat down in old A.C.T.
But if I've got a seat in my trousers, and a missus to work for me….
Now give me a nail and a hammer, and a picture to hang on the wall,
And give me a strong step ladder, for you know that I might fall,
And give me a couple of waiters, and a barrel of good old Bass Ale,
And I bet you I'll hang up that picture - if somebody drives the nail!
Last Chorus:
I don't work for a living I get along alright without.
I live peacefully, labour disputes never worry me.
I love my family, and the missus oh how I adore.
I decided to make them all happy that's why I never go home anymore!