Originally written by Colin Meloy of The Decemberists.
Factoids
Andy covered this song in the For Want of Rain project.
Lyrics
These lyrics are based on the version performed by the Longest Johns in their livestreams, the original lyrics can be found here.
Eli the barrow boy, of the old town
Sells coal and marigolds and he cries out
All down the day
Below the tamaracks he is crying
Corn cobs and candlewax for the buying
All down the day
{Chorus}
Would I could afford to buy my love a fine robe
Made of gold and silk Arabian thread
But she is dead and gone and lying in a pine grove
And still I push my barrow all the day
still I push my barrow all the day
Eli the barrow boy, when they found him
Dressed all in corduroy, he had drowned in
The river down the way
They laid his body down in a churchyard
But still when the moon is out, with his pushcart
He calls down the day
{Chorus}
{Finale}
I must push my barrow all the day
I must push my barrow all the day