American Old Time Song Lyrics: 12 Remember That The Poor Tramp Has To Live

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 12

REMEMBER THAT THE POOR TRAMP HAS TO LIVE.
By Bill Kearney. Tune- " True as Steel."

How many men there are that ride in fortune's car.
And bolt and bar the door against the poor,
Because they have lots of gold, their hearts turn icy cold,
They ought to be condemned for it, I'm sure.
Now speaking of the race that tramp from place to place,
There are some of them who are men from top to toe,
So if they are in need, of this circumstance take heed,
And remember that the poor tramp has to live.

Chorus.
So if you meet a tramp that bears misfortune's stamp,
If he is worthy of your aid why freely give;
Give him a hearty grip, wish him luck upon his trip,
And remember that the poor tramp has to live.

I lately saw a tramp whom people called a scamp,
And upon him set their dogs lest he might steal;
And as he turned away, I saw him kneel and pray,
And I know that God above heard his appeal.
For little do we know, as he tramps through rain and snow,
That once he was as happy as a king,
Till fortune's cruel dart had pierced his manly heart.
And took away his home and everything.-'Chorus.

I once heard a tramp relate the sad story of his fate,
And how he was an outcast shunned by all;
He lived a happy life, had a loving child and wife,
But, alas! like Eve, this woman had to fall.
For she proved weak and frail; there's no need to tell the tale,
How she turned his manly heart to sad despair;
He never since has smiled on that handsome wife or child,
But sadly now he tramps from place to place.-Chorus