THE ANTEDILUVIANS WERE ALL VERY SOBER

(lyrics by Benjamin Franklin, tune by Will Quale)


The Antediluvians were all very sober
For they had no Wine, and they brew'd no October
All wicked, bad Livers, on Mischief still thinking,
For there can't be good Living where there is not good Drinking.

	Derry down
	So for Safety 
	Derry down
	So for Safety and Honesty 
	Derry down
	So for Safety and Honesty 
	Put the Glass round.

'Twas honest old Noah first planted the Vine,
And mended his Morals by drinking its Wine;
Thenceforth as unwholesome he Water decry'd;
For he saw that by drinking it Millions had dy'd.

	Derry down ...

From this Piece of History plainly we find
That Water's good neither for Body or Mind;
That Virtue and Safety in Wine-bibbing's found
While all that drink Water deserve to be drown'd.

	Derry down ...


notes: footnoted text from the Papers of Benjamin Franklin (volume 3, 1745-50) [National Archives]