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Joke and Push About the Pitcher

[ Roud 1253 ; Ballad Index WT092 ; Wiltshire 439 , 861 ; trad.]

Alfred Williams printed Joke and Push About the Pitcher in his 1923 book Folk-Songs of the Upper Thames. He noted:

.A very old song. Obtained by David Sawyer.

John Conolly sang Joke and Push About the Pitcher on his 2004 album Ranter’s Wharf. He noted:

This comes from Alfred Williams’ collection of traditional song lyrics Folk-Songs of the Upper Thames—the splendid tune was written by ace fiddler Paul Bellamy, also a long-serving member of the Broadside Ceilidh Band.

The Davenports sang Joke and Push About the Pitcher in 2024 on their Hallamshire Traditions album Strange Vagaries. They noted:

This is another song that deserves wider circulation. Its chorus, s“It’s not yet day…” is an absolute delight to sing. This album’s title is to be found in the last verse.

Lyrics

Joke and Push About the Pitcher in Folk-Songs of the Upper Thames

The silver moon that shines so bright
I swear with reason is my teacher.
And, if my midnight glass runs right,
There’s time to drink another pitcher.

Chorus (after each verse):
It’s not yet day. It’s not yet day.
Why should we forsake good liquor?
Until the sunbeams round us play
Let’s joke and push about the pitcher.

I dearly love a hearty man—
No sniggering milk-sop Jimmy Twitcher –
That loves a lass, and loves a glass,
And loudly calls for another pitcher.

They say that we must work all day,
And sleep at night to wake much richer;
But what is all the world does say
Compared to mirth, my friend, and pitcher.

Though one may boast a handsome wife,
Yet strange vagaries may bewitch her;
Unvexed I’ll lead a cheerful life,
And boldly call for t’other pitcher.

The Davenports sing Joke and Push About the Pitcher

The silver moon that shines so bright
I swear with reason is my teacher.
And, if my midnight glass runs right,
There’s time to drink another pitcher.

Chorus (after each verse):
It’s not yet day. It’s not yet day.
Why should we forsake good liquor?
’Til the sunbeams round us play
Let’s joke and push about the pitcher.

I dearly love a hearty man—
No sniggering milk-sop Jimmy Twitcher –
That loves a lass, and loves a glass,
And loudly calls for another pitcher.

They say that we must work all day,
And sleep at night to wake much richer;
But what is all the world I say
Compared to mirth, my friend, and pitcher.

Though one may boast a handsome wife,
Yet still strange vagaries may bewitch her;
Unvexed I’ll lead a cheerful life,
And boldly call for another pitcher.