American Old Time Song Lyrics: 23 Hello Riley

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 23

HELLO! RILEY.
Copyright, l888, by Oliver Ditson & Co.
Words and Music by Martin Hennessey.

I have a piece of property, the title it is clear,
Tho' some day I may lose it, is the only thing I fear;
'Tis a large apartment dwelling house, each room is occupied.
Excepting one up near the roof, where Mike Mulcahy died.
It has an elevator, a bath and wash-tub set,
The tenants never use them, they're afraid of getting wet;
I am always out to front of it, I never miss a day.
And friends and neighbors as they pass, to me do always say:

Chorus.
Hello! Riley, 'tis yourself that's looking grand,
Hello! Riley, is it there you always stand?
With your hands down in your pocket, and your little chain and locket.
Say, begorra, Mister Riley, you're a fine ould man.

It has all the improvements of a family hotel,
The tenants are contented, and live in peace as well;
All growler rushers and their kind must find some other place.
On Riley's big apartment house they'll never bring disgrace.
A man of education is Grover C. Malone,
I had his rooms connected with McSorley's telephone;
I yelled, McSorley, into it, I tried to make him hear,
It almost drove me crazy when the words came to my ear:-Chorus .

The location it is splendid, it has plenty air and light,
For miles in all directions Riley's palace greets the sight;
They say 'tis ornamental, and a credit to the town,
Tho' some advised me recently to go and burn it down.
But wouldn't I be foolish if I'd do such a thing?
For as a place of residence 'tis worthy of a king!
Since Casey and his wife moved in the divil is to pay.
With their' heads stuck out the window they yell at'me. and say:-Chorus.

The tenants tell me they are gad I never use red tape,
They gather every evening out upon the fire escape;
They talk about all sorts of things, the sight to me is grand.
I love to hear them sing of dear ould Ireland.
Pat Clancey he sings tenor to Brady's baritone.
While Frankie Folsom Reagan has the nerve to sing alone:
After singing all the songs they know. Rodego Mclntee
Does always lead the chorus in this little verse to me:-Chorus.