American Old Time Song Lyrics: 15 The Striker And His Son

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 15

THE STRIKER AND HIS SON.
Lottie Gilson's greatest success, written expressly for her by Will J. Hardman.
author of "The Noble Knights of Labor"

In the city of Chicago, not so very long ago,
A factory turned its hands out in the street,
Just because they told the bosses that the pay was not enough
To keep a decent shoe upon their feet;
Among those honest strikers was an old man and his son.
Who caused a great sensation far and near;
The old man was with the strikers, but the son grew very weak.
For the bosses whispered something in his ear;
It was pitiful to see that father pleading with his son.
To stay away and hold out for a spell.
While fifteen hundred honest hands were fighting for their bread.
And the little ones they loved at home so well.

'Round the factory stood those strikers waiting anxious for a change.
Until a mouth or more had passed away,
Still the bosses were determined, and the strikers, too, were firm
And at night for strength would often kneel and pray;
The landlords grew disgusted, and starvation lingered near,
And still that little army nobly fought;
But the bravest one among them was that poor, old. honest man,
Whose days on earth it seemed were very short;
By his son he'd sit for hours with a tear upon his cheek.
And plead with him to hold out and be brave;
My son, said he, if you go back to work without the rest.
It will drive your poor old father to the grave.

After weary months of waiting happy tidings came at last.
The bosses have give in, the cry was heard,
And the joy of that sweet message to those patriotic souls
Could never be expressed by pen or word;
The factory soon was started, and the sun shone bright again
Around the little homes so filled with tears;
Monopoly was crushed outright, the battle fought and won
A struggle filled with agonizing fears;
But the brightest heart among them was that poor, old, honest man.
When he heard the strikers' side had come out best;
He kissed his boy and hugged him with a blessing on his lips,
For his son had nobly held out with the rest.