Our source for OATS AND BEANS AND BARLEY GROWS was Tony's mother, Amy Barrand, who remembered playing the game as a child. We filled out her text from other Lincolnshire variants.

Oats and beans and barley grows
As you and I and everyone knows
You and I and everyone knows
Where oats and beans and barley grows
     Oh, waiting for a partner
     Open the ring and take one in
     And kiss them when you get them in.

First the farmer sows the seed
And then the farmer takes his ease
Stamps his foot and claps his hand
And turns around to view the land:

Do you want a partner?
Do you want a partner?
For if you do, you must be true
And choose him very shortly:

Now you're married, you must obey
You must be true to all you say
You must be kind and very good
And help your wife to chop the wood:

Repeat First Verse

© Golden Hind Music