I went to the fair and sold my cow
For five pounds of silver and a yellow guinea of gold
If I drink the silver and if I give away the gold
O what is that to anyone else.
If I drink the silver and if I give away the gold
O what is that to anyone else.

If I go to the leafy woods gathering berries or chestnuts,
Plucking apples from branches or herding cows,
If I stretch out for a while beneath a tree relaxing,
O what is that to anyone else.
If I stretch out for a while beneath a tree relaxing,
O what is that to anyone else.

If I go for a night-visit and for dancing and sport,
To fairs and races and every gathering of that sort,
If I see happy people and if I'm happy with them,
O what is that to anyone else.
If I see happy people and if I'm happy with them,
O what is that to anyone else.

People say I'm without riches no doubt,
Without goods or clothes or cattle or stock,
If I a happy living in a hovel,
O what is that to anyone else.
If I a happy living in a hovel,
O what is that to anyone else.