American Old Time Song Lyrics: 22 If I Were A Millionaire
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 22
IF I WERE A MILLIONAIRE.
Copyright, 1888, by Ackland Lord Boyle.
You ask me, friend Harry, to say what I'd do,
If I were a millionaire;
You ask if I'd travel and have a good time,
And live without trouble or care.
Ah, Harry my boy, sordid aims give no joy,
And selfishness truly's a snare,
So if you will listen I'll say what I'd do,
If I were a millionaire.
Chords.
If I were a millionaire,
My blessings with others I'd share,
For the poor and down-trodden I'd tenderly care,
If I were a millionaire.
A poor workingman is thrown out of employ,
By a strike of the rich, called a trust,
His family is starving, he's tempted, he steals,
And his good name is dragged in the dust.
I'd employ the best counsel, for mercy appeal,
And bring ev'ry effort to bear,
To save the poor fellow and give him a chance,
If I were a millionaire.-Chorus.
But the millionaire bandit who robs rich and poor,
Tho' he owns thousands more than he needs;
Who deals in "wheat steals, " most gigantic and bold,
And other such high handed deeds.
Who raises the price of the workingman's bread,
To fight such a man I'd ne'er fail;
I'd spend ev'ry dollar I had in the world
To send the rich rascal to jail.-Chorus.
There are young fact'ry children, white slaves in this land,
Who toil out their poor little lives;
There are hundreds of women who scarce earn their bread,
Tho' the boss they are working for thrives.
There is sadness and suffering, oppression and want,
To relieve and protect, I'd not spare;
And that's the way, Harry, I'd have a good time,
If I were a millionaire.-Chorus.