American Old Time Song Lyrics: 56 From Hovel To Mansion

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 56

FROM HOVEL TO MANSION.
Copyright, 1895, by W. P. Chase.
Words and Music by W. P. Chase.

In a mis'rable hovel in lower New York
Lived a poor little motherless boy;
His father a drunkard, his clothes tattered rags,
Indeed life to him was no joy;
But even to those who're most wretched on earth,
A measure of happiness comes,
And this lad had a taste-it was while he was ill
In his miserable home in the slums;
A sweet little maid, who for charity's sake.
Made trips once a week 'mongst the poor,
While out on her mission of love and relief,
Chanced to find her way up to his door.

Chorus.
"May I come in?" and her voice was like an angel's;
Can't I do something to relieve you from your pain?
Poor little boy, I'm afraid you have a fever;
I'll go bring my papa, we'll have you well again.

Long years have flown by, that lad now is a man,
And the head of a firm of great wealth;
He had worked night and day-strove to merit the love
Of that lass who had nursed him to health;
No task seemed too hard, nor no effort too great;
No obstacles seemed to appall,
For the love which he cherished was ever in mind;
She was life to him, happiness, all;
At last they were married, his joy was complete
As into his mansion he bore
That sweet gentle woman who, when a young girl,
Had called at his tenement door.- Chorus.