American Old Time Song Lyrics: 22 Can You Tell Me The Reason Why

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 22

Can You Tell Me the Reason Why?
Copyright, 1888, by Geo. M. Klenck & Co.
Words and Music by Barney McDonough.

Good music is always quite pleasing to the ear,
Can you tell me the reason why?
But some you hear to-day is exceedingly queer,
Can you tell me the reason why?
If you're feeling quite ill, got an awful headache,
And a little Dutch band makes every thing shake;
Don't you wish you were in Rome, or a Southern earthquake?
Can you tell me the reason why?

They say a red-headed girl and a white horse are mates,
Can you tell me the reason why?
By inspiration they seem to make dates,
Can you tell me the reason why?
A red-headed girl you see on the street,
And just around the corner a white horse you meet,
Now if you'll explain the reason, I'll stand the treat,
Can you tell me the reason why?

Policemen in a city are very useful, indeed,
Can you tell me the reason why?
But do they get credit for every noble deed,
Can you tell me the reason why?
See a policeman off duty, meet him on the street,
He is dressed just the same as any other man you meet;
But you can always tell his business by the size of his feet,
Can you tell me the reason why?

Did you ever meet a dude with a pocket full of boodle?
Can you tell me the reason why?
But how about the girl who carries the poodle?
Can you tell me the reason why?
A man in our days must "get up and hustle,"
With one button on his pants he often has to tussel;
But his wife must always have the latest style of bustle,
Can you tell me the reason why?

Spiritualism in our days is growing very strong,
Can you tell me the reason why?
But to disturb a fellow's rest, don't you think it's very wrong?
Can you tell me the reason why?
Now it may be very pleasing to hear from those who're pass'd away,
By spiritualistic rapping through a medium they say,
But you'll find more honest spirits in a bar-room any day,
Can you tell me the reason why?

When you have the money you can always "let her go!"
Can you tell me the reason why?
But when your money's gone why you kind'er go it slow,
Can you tell me the reason why?
Go round to your grocer and ask him for trust,
He will tell you C. O. D., otherwise he would bust;
You always have a friend when you have the dust,
Can you tell me the reason why?

You come home at night, you know, you know,
Can you tell me the reason why?
And the faster you walk the slower you go,
Can you tell me the reason why?
You work the dead latch till your fingers are sore,
Then you pull the door bell for an hour or more;
But your wife is not surprised when she opens the door,
Can you tell me the reason why?

The donkey, you know, is very fond of kicking,
Can you tell me the reason why?
Of course it's his nature, he can't be cured by licking,
Can you tell me the reason why?
But some people in this world beat the donkey in his way,
They kick in their sleep and they kick all the day,
And they'll keep on kicking until they're laid away,
Can you tell me the reason why?