American Old Time Song Lyrics: 52 Only An Actors Child

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 52

ONLY AN ACTOR'S CHILD.
Copyright, MDCCCXCVI, by Henry J. Wehman.
Words and Music by Harry S. Miller.

"You ask me for a story, boys," thus spoke our leader Joe,
As we sat 'round the hotel fire one night after the show:
"All right," said he, "I'll tell you then," his face with pleasure glowed,
"An incident that happened with my first show on the road:
One night while playing Boston, the snow lay cold And deep,
I hurried on towards the show to get in from the street,
While just inside the stage-door, where the light most dimly shed,
A bundle lay with note attached, I picked it up and read:

Chorus.
"Only an actor's child, just a little girl,
Please try to love her, whose Christian name is Pearl;
Don't treat her harshly, kindness instead,
Only an actor's child, whose parents now are dead.

"I carried back the little thing and told them what I'd found.
While ev'ry member of the show had quickly gathered 'round;
Our wardrobe lady kissed it and said in a tender tone,
'I'll take it, Joe, if you don't mind, and raise it as my own ';
As years rolled on the baby grew most beautiful And fair;
No artist, ever painted, boys, a picture half so rare:
The wardrobe lady since is dead, but of the babe I'll say,
She is the leading lady now with this same show to-day.

Chorus.
"Only an actor's child, now a winsome girl;
Bright as the sunshine is, so each golden curl.
Followed in footsteps of a father's call.
Only an actor's child-so boys, you know it all."