King of the Jolly

Danny O'Brien walks to the main road All dressed up like he's got some place to go Smiles as he greets all those folks on his way He owes some of them money that he'll never repay 'Cos if good intentions means life's paved in gold Then Danny's the richest man you've ever known He's quick with a story, or regale you with song But there's a jump to his step, ya, he'd best move along In the town's square ahead Where the main road ends There's building tucked behind the ivy and holly Danny sits in his usual place Drink's ready to lift to his face for tonight; like every night, he's King of the Jolly Now the Jolly 'Ol Beggar since 1913 Has been serving libation by the family McQueen And the seat where Dan's sitting; last held by Tom Blake Was bequeathed to Danny at dear Tommy's wake From that seat you can see the whole world come and go And hear all the good craic, just to stay in the know 'n day after day the world keeps passing by Says he'd love to be busy, but he doesn't have time In the town's square ahead Where the main road ends There's building tucked behind the ivy and holly Danny sits in his usual place Drink's ready to lift to his face for tonight; like every night, he's King of the Jolly There's pictures of him on the wallpapered walls Holding down his seat 'til just after last call As he walks to the door all the regulars sing As they give him a send off that's fit for a King That's how each evening ends Walks to the town's square ahead 'n if his timing's right he can grab the last trolley Danny's finally home to his bed Wife's sleeping beside him; unhappily wed She's Queen of the house, but he's King of the Jolly In the town's square ahead Where the main road ends There's building tucked behind the ivy and holly Danny sits in his usual place Drink's ready to lift to his face For tonight; like every night, he's King of the Jolly