The Dublin Jack of All Trades

(Traditional, arranged by Brendan Nolan & Gerry O'Neill)

Key of D

I can't quite recall when I heard this song for the first time.
It's always been one of those Dublin songs that have been out
there and that I'd known bits of. In the early 70's I bought a
wee book by the late Dublin ballad singer and collector Frank
Harte, titled simply "Songs of Dublin." It's been a great
companion ever since. Included in it were the complete
words of the "Jack Of All Trades." I don't sing quite the
complete version here, but certainly most of it. I've also
doubled up some of the verses in the latter part of the song.

I am a roving sporting blade, they call me Jack of all Trades
I always place my chief delight in courting pretty fair maids
So when in Dublin I arrived, to try for a situation
I always heard them say it was the pride of all the nation

Chorus:
I'm a roving jack of many a trade
Of every trade, of all trades
And if you wish to know my name
They call me Jack of All Trades

On George's quay I first began, and there became a porter
Me and me master soon fell out which cut my acquaintance shorter
In Sackville Street a pastry cook, in James's street a baker
In Cook St I did coffins make, in Eustace Street a preacher

In Baggot Street I drove a cab, and there was well requited
In Francis Street had lodging beds to entertain all strangers
For Dublin is of high renown, or I am much mistaken
In Kevin Street, I do declare, sold butter, eggs and bacon

In Golden Lane I sold oul shoes, in Meath Street was a grinder
In Barrack Street I lost my wife, and I'm glad I ne'er could find her
In Mary's Lane I've dyed old clothes, of which I've often boasted
In that noted place Exchequer Street sold mutton ready roasted
In Temple Bar I've dressed old hats, In Thomas Street a sawyer
And in Pill Lane I sold a plate, in Green Street was a lawyer
In Plunkett Street I sold cast clothes, in Bride's Alley was a broker
In Charles' Street I had a shop, sold shovels, tongs and poker

In College Green a banker was, in Smithfield a drover
In Britain Street a waiter and in George's Street a glover
On Ormond Quay I sold old books, In King Street a nailer
In Townsend Street a carpenter and in Ringsend a sailor
In Peter Street I was a quack, in Greek Street a grainer
In Moore Street was a chandler, and on the Coombe a weaver
In Church Street I sold oul ropes, on Redmond's Hill a draper
In Mary Street sold 'bacco pipes, In Bishop Street a Quaker

In Liffey Street had furniture, with fleas and bugs I sold it
And at the bank a big placard, I often stood to hold it
In New Street I sold hay and straw, In Spittlefields made bacon
In Fishamble Street was at the grand old trade of basket-making
In Summerhill a coach-maker, in Denzil Street a gilder
In Cork Street was a tanner and in Brunswick Street a builder
In High Street I sold hosiery, in Patrick Street sold all blades
So if you wish to know my name, they call me Jack of All Trades