American Old Time Song Lyrics: 31 The Reason Why It's So

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 31

THE REASON WHY IT'S SO.
Written by Billie Bell.

The root of every evil in this busy world of ours-
For why do we observe where'er we go.
From the poorest pauper to the richest Millionaire,
This eagerness for wealth we'd like to know?
Why is justice often blind when there's lots of wealth behind.
And why did Cleveland the pension bill veto?
For our soldiers who did fight to gain our nation's rights,
We'd like to know the reason why it's so.

There's Jay Gould, the grasping miser, with his countless millions wealth,
Where he got it, now inform us if you can;
In the recent railroad struggle, why did Congress lake his part
And do nothing for the honest workingman?
Why do lawyers run up fees? why do actors try to please?
Why do bank defaulters rob both rich and poor?
Why do oarsmen sell a race when they know 'tis a disgrace?
We'd like to know the reason why it's so.

There's our street-car conductors, a lot of honest men.
And support their family on a salary small;
Now, before the bell-punch was invented the conductors were contented,
But now the company they take it all.
When passengers get in. the little bell must ring,
To register the fares for one and all;
Now, if the bell-punch wasn't there, he'd only take what's fair,
He'd like to know the reason why it's so.