American Old Time Song Lyrics: 36 Corbett And Sullivan Fight

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 36

CORBETT AND SULLIVAN FIGHT.
Copyright, 1892, by Henry J. Wehman.
Tune-"Donnelly and Cooper."

All lovers of the manly art come listen to my lay,
I'll sing about two gladiators met in fistic fray;
Bold John L. Sullivan, of Boston, champion of his day,
And sprightly Jimmy Corbett from far California.

They met way down in New Orleans, September seventh, at night,
And thousands of the sporting bloods were there to see the fight;
The betting was on Sullivan, and many friends were found
Who said John L. would finish Jim before the second round.

At last they shook hands in the ring, and Sullivan led out.
But Corbett was too spry for him and nimbly danced about;
Then two more blows of Sully's right the head of Jim did miss,
At which the crowd looked on amazed, And some began to hiss.

The 'Frisco lad, round after round, came up with smile so gay.
Whenever John L. banged at him, he grinned and slipped away;
Then right and left his anvil blows upon the champion fall.
First blood for Jimmy Corbett now his friends so lively call.

And so these gladiators fought till twenty rounds were done;
'Twas plain the champion could see his brave career was run;
Blow after blow was rained upon his nose by lucky Jim,
Who came up smiling every time so chipper And so trim.

Then came the last round of them all, John L. was much distressed,
Although his firm admirers thought that he had fought his best;
A blow from dauntless Jimmy sent him reeling to the floor,
When time was called he heard it not, his championship was o'erl

Then up steps Jimmy Corbett and he took him by the hand,
he knew that he had conquered the first fighter in the land;
Said John L.: "I acknowledge that I am a beaten man,
But I'm proud the championship was won by an American"