American Old Time Song Lyrics: 36 Railroad Boys Appeal
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 36
RAILROAD BOY'S APPEAL.
Tone-"Annie Laurie."
Poor, helpless and alone am I, how sad the words do seem,
As through this life I journey on, a cripple maimed and lame.
With parents dead these many years, And none to care for me,
I'm forced to offer you my song, with a cripple's prayerful plea.
There was a time, long, long ago, when I from pain was free;
A happy boy at home was I-at school none gay as me.
From school I went to labor hard, as newsboy on a train,
To battle with this mighty world my daily bread to gain.
I little thought, as time flew by, that troubles thick and fast
Would o'er me fall, And make me go on crutches to the last;
But here I am, as you can see, drawn out of shape by pain,
A sad reminder of the night I fell between the train.
Do unto others as you'd have them do to you, is an adage old as time,
Think how, my friend, if in my place, you'd bless the giver of a dime;
Beach in your pocket for your change, And help the cripple on;
'Tis but a mite to you, I know, but to me 'tis quite a sum.