American Old Time Song Lyrics: 15 Charleston Earthquake
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 15
CHARLESTON EARTHQUAKE.
Tune- "Milwaukee Fire."
It was a pleasant August evening, and the city was at rest, .
Peace and quiet reigned on every band,
When a dreadful crash was heard,' that struck terror to the souls
Of every one who heard it throughout the land;
The people were distracted, from their houses they did flee,
For they felt that they were safer in the street.
The houses they were tumbling down, and the crowds did hurry on
To escape the terrible doom that they might meet.
Chorus.
Mothers with their children clasped so tight in their arm.
Left their homes where they had dwelt for many a year,
To wander up and down, and sleep upon the cold, damp ground,
For no place of safety but the parks was near.
Everything was in confusion, both the rich and poor alike,
Were praying for the morning to appear,
To break the gloom that hung o'er them upon that wretched night,
That filled their hearts with misery and fear;
Amidst the great excitement, a poor, old, feeble man,
Although weak, his life he tried hard to save,
But as he reached the lauding the walls did tumble in,
Beneath the ruins he had found a silent grave.
Chorus.
Charleston is in ruins, and the people are In want,
Let every one do what is in their power
To aid the poor unfortunates that are now in distress,
And send relief for them in this, their saddest hour