American Old Time Song Lyrics: 08 The Orphan Boy

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 8

THE ORPHAN BOY.

Stay, lady, stay, for mercy's sake,
And hear a helpless orphan's tale;
Ah sure my looks must pity wake,
'Tis want that makes my cheeks so pale.

Yet I was once a mother's pride,
And my brave father's hope and joy;
But in the Nile's proud fight he died.
And I am now an orphan boy.

Poor foolish child-how pleased was I,
When news of Nelson's victory came;
Along the crowded streets to fly.
And see the lighted windows' flame!

To force me home my mother songht,
She could not bear to see my joy;
For with my father's life 'twas bought.
And made me a poor orphan boy.

The people's shouts were long And loud;
My mother shuddering. closed her cars:
Rejoice! rejoice! still cried the crowd,
My mother answered with her tears.

Why are you crying thus, said I,
While others iaugh And shout for joy?
She kissed, and with such a sigh.
She called me her poor orphan boy

What is an orphan boy? I said,
When suddenly she gasped for breath,
And her eyes closed-I shrieked for aid,
But, ah! her eyes were closed in deathl

My hardships since I will not tell;
But, now no more a parent's joy:
Ah! lady, I have learned too well,
What 'tis to be an orphan boy!

Oh! were I by your bounty fed,
Nay, gentle lady, do not chide;
Trust me-I. mean to earn my bread,
The sailor's orphan boy has pride.

Lady! you weep-ah! this to me!
You give me clothing, food, employ;
Look down, dear parents, look and see.
Your happy-happy orphan boy.