John Clare: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

The Woodcutter's Evening Song

John Clare

“The Woodcutter's Evening Song” as printed in A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853).

John Clare: Collected Lyrics Text 1 1853 · historical text
Public domainHymnSacred song
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from A First Series of Hymns and Songs, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

Welcome, red and roundy sun,

Dropping lowly in the west,

Now my hard day's work is done,

I'm as happy as the best.

Though to leave your pretty song,

Little birds, it gives me pain,

Tet to-morrow is not long,

Then I'm with you all again.

Verse 2

If I stop and stand about,

Well I know how things will be;

They will all be looking out,

Watching anxiously for me.

Fare ye well and hold your tongues,

Sing no more till next I come;

They're not worthy of your songs

That never care to drop a crumb.

Verse 3

All day long I love the oaks;

But at night yon little cot,

Where I see the chimney smokes,

I know not a prettier spot.

All my little folks are there,

Waiting me with pleasant looks:

Table ready set and chair.

Supper hanging on the hooks.

Verse 4

Soon as ever I get in,

Quick my faggot down I fling;

Little prattlers then begin,

Teasing me to talk and sing.

Welcome, red and roundy sun.

Dropping lowly in the west,

Now my hard day's work is done,

I'm as happy as the best.

Credits

Written by John Clare

Words by John Clare. Historical text published in A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853), “The Woodcutter's Evening Song”

Every text in this 1853 collection is by Henry Formby (1816-1884), who died more than 140 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide; the edition carries a Wikisource PD-old determination.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-26. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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