Hey John Barleycorn
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Not to be confused with the other "John Barleycorn".
The character of John Barleycorn, a personification of barley (and the alcohol brewed therefrom), first appeared in the early 17th century, and the earliest known versions of the well-known modern folk song bearing his name date to the mid-18th century, describing his life, death (harvest), and resurrection as ale.[1] This song, a newer iteration on the theme singing his praises specifically as ale, was written in 1860 by English music hall songwriter and performer J. B. Geoghegan.[2] It appeared in a number of broadsides at the time, and though never as popular or widespread as its older cousin, survived to be collected in the mid-20th century and has seen several recordings since.[3]
The Longest Johns' version premiered as "something new" on the 15 Oct 2025 livestream, and it was released as track 3 on Ends of the Earth on 1 May 2026.
Lyrics
Kindly provided by the band.
{Chorus}
Hey, John Barleycorn! Oh, John Barleycorn
Old and young, your praise is sung, John Barleycorn
John Barleycorn is a hero bold as any in the land
For ages good his fame has stood and will for ages stand
The whole wide world respect him no matter friend or foe
And where they be that makes too free, he's sure to lay them low
{Chorus}
To see him in his pride of growth his robes are rich and green
His head is speared with prickly beard fit nigh to serve the Queen
And when the reaping time comes round and John is stricken down
He yields his blood for England's good and Englishmen's renown
{Chorus}
The lord in courtly castle and the squire in stately hall
The great of name in birth and fame on John for succor call
He bids the troubled heart rejoice, gives warmth to Nature's cold
Makes weak men strong and old ones young and all men brave and bold
{Chorus}
Then shout for great John Barleycorn nor heed the luscious vine
I have no mind much charm to find in potent draught of wine
Give me my native nut-brown ale, all other drinks I'll scorn
For English cheer is English beer, our own John Barleycorn
John Barleycorn!