There were three kings into the east, Three kings both great and high; An' they hae swore a solemn oath John Barleycorn should die. They took a plough and plough'd him down, Put clods upon his head; And they hae swore a solemn oath John Barleycorn was dead. But the cheerful spring came kindly on, And show'rs began to fall; John Barleycorn got up again, And sore surpris'd them all. The sultry suns of summer came, And he grew thick and strong; His head weel arm'd wi' pointed spears, That no one should him wrong. The sober autumn enter’d mild, When he grew wan and pale; His bending joints and drooping head Show'd he began to fail. His colour sicken'd more and more, He faded into age; And then his enemies began To shew their deadly rage