American Old Time Song Lyrics: 05 The Wolf At The Door

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 5

THE WOLF AT THE DOOR
Recited by Lottie Winnett.

Hark how the merciless cold winds blow!
"Mamma, come look at the beautiful snow;
See how the streets are all mantled in white,
I'm looniug for papa-he'll tome home all right,
Oh! why are you looking so lonely and sad?
I know papa drinks, but can't I make you glad?
Come! kiss me, mamma, and don't weep any more."
"Hush! come to my arms, there's a wolf at the door."

"Mamma, don't cry; let me kneel at your feet,
We are hungry and cold and have nothing to eat.
Look up, and be cheerful, in God put your trust,
If papa is a drunkard, God will not blame us.
Why do you tremble so? Wipe off that tear;
The fire is out but we've nothing to fear.
Let's lay down together and sleep on the floor."
"No! no! there's no sleep while the wolf is at the door."

"Oh, mamma! God bless you! cheer up all you can.
Some day I may be a good son and a man,
To bring to your sorrowful heart hope and joy,
If papa's a drunkard, just think, I'm your boy.
Though he may desert us there's one left us still
Who'll never forsake us-no! God never will."
"Hush,(child! there's your father.'don't say a word more,
Great God! can't he see there's a wolf at the door? "

Aye! staggering drunk at that. hour so late,
The father stood reeling in snow at the gate;
His barefooted boy, dressed so poorly and thin,
Went out in the snow and led "papa " in.
But just as he entered he fell on the floor,
And there went forth a howl from the wolf at the door.
The emblem of death to the door knob was tied,
A husband-a father-a drunkard had died.