One misty moisty morning when cloudy was the weather
I met with an old man a-clothed all in leather
He was clothed all in leather with a cap beneath his chin
Singing, How do you do, and how do you do, and how do you do again?

This rustic was a thresher as on his way he hie'd
And with a leather bottle fast buckled by his side
He wore no shirt upon his back but wool unto his skin
Singing, How do you do, and how do you do, and how do you do again?

I went a little further and there I met a maid
A-going a-milking, a-milking, sir, she said
Then I began to compliment and she began to sing
Saying, How do you do, and how do you do, and how do you do again?

This maid, her name was Dolly, clothed in a gown of grey
I being somewhat jolly persuaded her to stay
And a-straight I fell a-courtin' her in the hopes her love to win
Singing, How do you do, and how do you do, and how do you do again?

[Instrumental bridge]

I having time and leisure, I spent a vacant hour
A-telling of my treasure while sitting in the bower
And then i' kind embraces I stroked her double chin
Singing, How do you do, and how do you do, and how do you do again?
I said that I would married be and she would be my bride
And how long we should not tarry and twenty things beside
I'll plough and sow and reap and mow, and you shall sit and spin
Singing, How do you do, and how do you do, and how do you do again?

Her parents then consented, all parties were agreed
Her portion thirty shillings, we married were with speed
Then Will the piper he did play while others dance and sing
Saying, How do you do, and how do you do, and how do you do again?

Then lusty Ralph and Robin with many damsels gay
Did ride on Roan and Dobbin to celebrate the day
And when they met together their caps they off did fling
Singing, How do you do, and how do you do
And how do you do, and how do you do again?