One At A Time

Hold the barrel steady and jump in one at a time
Hold the barrel steady and jump in one at a time

In olden days when times were hard
We filled the barrel with water
We added brine from Prestonpans
Then Stripped our son and daughter

Hold the barrel steady and jump in one at a time
Hold the barrel steady and jump in one at a time

We stuck an apple in their mouths
And stood them on a chair
And then we sat down for our tea
And left them standing there

Hold the barrel steady and jump in one at a time
Hold the barrel steady and jump in one at a time

"Now in you go, our children"
They did as they were bid
Their heads below the water
And fastened on the lid

Hold the barrel steady and jump in one at a time
Hold the barrel steady and jump in one at a time

We shed some tears be sure of that
Our stomachs were like lead
"We better have some more", she said
Then we went off to bed

Hold the barrel steady and jump in one at a time
Hold the barrel steady and jump in one at a time

So if your purse is empty
Your cupboard it is bare
Just pull the clothes right off your bairns
And stand them on a chair

Hold the barrel steady and jump in one at a time
Hold the barrel steady and jump in one at a time
One at a time...
One at a time...
One at a time...