**[Verse 1]** Oh, gather ‘round and hear the tale of a trade both true and fine, Where wood and steel in steady hands make barrels, casks, and wine. With side axe sharp, he shapes the stave, the drawknife carves it clean, And with the croze, he cuts the groove where heads will sit unseen. **[Chorus]** So sing hooray for the cooper’s trade, his craft both tried and true! He builds the casks to hold our ale and keeps our whiskey too! From tubs and vats to hogsheads wide, his skill we all adore— The cooper keeps our food and drink for now and evermore! **[Verse 2]** An apprentice starts with broom in hand, to learn the ancient way, He sweeps the floor and watches close through every night and day. With time he learns to shape the wood, each stave both strong and fair, Until he earns his journeyman’s mark—a craftsman proud and rare! **[Chorus]** So sing hooray for the cooper’s trade, his craft both tried and true! He builds the casks to hold our ale and keeps our whiskey too! From tubs and vats to hogsheads wide, his skill we all adore— The cooper keeps our food and drink for now and evermore! **[Verse 3]** The hoop driver rings as iron sings; the hammer strikes its tune, Each stave aligns beneath his hands by morning light or moon. The Howell plane smooths every edge; the auger drills with care, And soon a barrel strong is born—a treasure rich and rare! **[Chorus]** So sing hooray for the cooper’s trade, his craft both tried and true! He builds the casks to hold our ale and keeps our whiskey too! From tubs and vats to hogsheads wide, his skill we all adore— The cooper keeps our food and drink for now and evermore! **[Bridge] (Slower)** Oh whiskey sweet and salted fish—he keeps them safe from harm. The cider’s crisp, the butter fresh—all thanks to his strong arm. For feasts ashore or voyages long across the stormy seas, The cooper’s wares will see us through with barrels stout as trees. **[Chorus] (Faster)** So sing hooray for the cooper’s trade, his craft both tried and true! He builds the casks to hold our ale and keeps our whiskey too! From tubs and vats to hogsheads wide, his skill we all adore— The cooper keeps our food and drink for now and evermore! **[Outro]** So here’s a toast to every hand that plies this noble art— The cooper with his tools of trade who works with all his heart. Let’s raise a glass of beer or wine from out his sturdy cask— For without him life would surely lack the joys within our flask!
