American Old Time Song Lyrics: 36 What A Contrast

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

WHAT A CONTRAST.
Copyright, 1892, by Hamilton & Gordon.
Words and Music by Wm. H. Friday, Jr.

Did you ever notice, friends, the contrast to be seen?
The black old maid of sixty-three, the girl of sweet sixteen.
The man that has no brains at all, the man that knows it all.
What a contrast, what a contrast, what a contrast.
See the handsome maiden powdered, made up for the ball,
Watch her graceful figure as she waltzes round the hall,
See her then the morning after, if, perchance, you call,
What a contrast, what a contrast, what a contrast.

See the gay young business man all smiles, and clothes so neat,
Good morning sir, how do you do? shakes hands and offers treat,
Then see him as with surly frown, that night, his wife he beats,
What a contrast, what a contrast, what a contrast.
See the weeping actress in some role upon the stage,
The audience do shout as they in admiration gaze.
Watch her out-door antics, when some dude she tries to cage,
What a contrast, what a contrast, what a contrast

See the dirty vagabond, unkempt he goes his way,
All ragged clothes, now swelled red nose, saloons his only pay,
Last year a prosp'ros merchant was, the populace do say,
What a contrast, what a contrast, what a contrast.
See the stylish bank cashier, a man held in repute,
Skips the city one fine day, with bank funds he does scoot,
See him in some foreign den, a gambler, destitute,
What a contrast, what a contrast, what a contrast.

See the little daisy, with whom you cut a dash,
She swears she loves you dearly, says she'll have no other mash,
Just ask her if she'll marry you, tell her you have no cash,
What a contrast, what a contrast, what a contrast,
See the politician as for office he does run,
Promising most anything to friends or to the bum,
Ask him for a favor whence the battle he has won.