There is a song that I love to sing and I'll sing it now for you
My friend it is no mystery, it's of the fine brown brew
I have yet to meet the ale for which I didn't care
And there's no pub in all the land where you won't find me there

Hats off to beer, me boys, hats off to beer
Lift your glasses in the air and give a hearty cheer
And when the barrel is empty we'll surely shed a tear
Hats off to beer, me boys, hats off to beer

Seven days without a drink does surely make one week
And it's pleasure in a company of a frosted mug I seek
I've travelled clear across the world you know that I've been cursed
But the Devil doesn't know where a man will go
when he's dying of the thirst

Hats off to beer, me boys, hats off to beer
Lift your glasses in the air and give a hearty cheer
And when the barrel is empty we'll surely shed a tear
Hats off to beer, me boys, hats off to beer

Mr. Killian would be proud if he heard the old one say:
"Another time 'round with the Irish Red, and the Devil, let him pay!"
Sometimes she's a homely wench or a beautiful maiden fair
But there's nothing else on this green earth to which she can compare

Hats off to beer, me boys, hats off to beer
Lift your glasses in the air and give a hearty cheer
And when the barrel is empty we'll surely shed a tear
Hats off to beer, me boys, hats off to beer

Now, there is but one dream I have and of this I will relate
It's not of riches, fame or power for these are not my fate
Sure it's clear that I love my beer and of this there is no doubt
And when I turn the kitchen tap I wish she'd come flowing out!

Hats off to beer, me boys, hats off to beer
Lift your glasses in the air and give a hearty cheer
And when the barrel is empty we'll surely shed a tear
Hats off to beer, me boys, hats off to beer

Hats off to beer, me boys, hats off to beer
Lift your glasses in the air and give a hearty cheer
And when the barrel is empty we'll surely shed a tear
Hats off to beer, me boys, hats off to beer


(c) Jim Nelson