Then the sea grows rough, and our frail bark Is tossed about in the ocean foam. The cloud has raised, the sky grows dark, We are struggling away alone; We struggle and fight to the very last. Our ship of life is tempest tossed, And ere the Golden Harbor’s passed Our life is spent, our joy is lost.
So this is life that we are given! For me, I’ll simply heave a sigh And say that it’s not worth the living, And nurse the thought that we must die.
Deep in my heart I cherish memories of the past, And think of happy moments that have flown away so fast; I see again the old homestead and my mother dear Seated by the fireside in her old armchair. When the springtime flowers bloomed and sweet fragrance filled the air, When the song of joyous birds made all the world seem fair, She’d take me on her knee and in accent sweet and low, She’d sing me many pretty songs--sweet songs of long ago.
When I left home and mother, I was but a lad, To go and battle with the world, it made her poor heart sad; The struggle was a hard one, ere I a fortune earned, But mother dear had passed away when homeward I returned. For what had been my struggle, and the money I had saved? With all I could not call her back from the cold, cold grave. The memory of my childhood days came back to me again, I prayed to hear the old, old songs, but prayer was all in vain.
My lady loves the poems that are old; No verse or art she calls complete Unless for many golden ducats sold And in addition quite antique. I want your praise, I want your approbation; To earn it I most anything would try, But we will likely have an altercation If to obtain your favor I must die.
A great big fellow, Loves a gun; Always laughing, Full of fun. Plays at billiards And at pool; Also poker, Always cool. Likes theaters, Loves a race; Knows the deuce From the ace. Spends his money Left and right; Boys say, “He’s out of sight.” Helps a friend Who’s in distress, Cheers them In their loneliness. “Hail-fellow-well-met” Sort of way. Always happy, Always gay. Handsome features, Eyes that glow; Splendid figure, That’s my beau.
There are two distinguished gentlemen, Who are very easily found; They inhabit every borough, Every village, city and town. One will slowly take your life, The other draws your will; But the people all write to praise Lawyer Taffy and Dr. Pill.