American Old Time Song Lyrics: 34 The Broken Home

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 34

THE BROKEN HOME.
Copyright, 1891, by Frank Harding.
Words and Music by Will H. Fox.

The church-bells they were ringing, the choir was sweetly singing,
In a far New England village, just two short years ago;
The flowers they were blooming, the birds In tree-tops tuning-
Two hearts had been united, fair Lillian and Joe.
The husband he toiled daily and happy was their lot;
He loved his wife and baby; his vows he ne'er forgot;
One day a former sweetheart came, and, finding him away,
Through flattery and promises Joe's love was led astray.

Chorus.
There's her picture on the table, there's a baby in the cradle,
There's a husband crying bitterly alone.
There's no wife's voice to cheer, in his sorrow to be near-
What was Paradise is now a broken home.

His eyes are dim with weeping, yet faithful watch he's keeping
O'er his precious little treasure, for whom his heart doth moan;
Forgetting all dishonor which she had brought upon her,
For baby's sake he'd gladly forgive if she'd come home.
Oh, why do people falter and lose all self-respect.
For vows made at the altar, and make their lives a wreck?
These questions Joe has asked himself, with heart heavy as lead.
And baby's smile prevents him from being numbered with the dead.- Chorus.