American Old Time Song Lyrics: 35 Oconnor The Tragedian

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 35

O'CONNOR, THE TRAGEDIAN.
Written by James McAvoy expressly for Edward Leslie.

I'm James Owen O'Connor, the tragedian,
My tragedy has turned the public's brain;
I'm an actor, not a common low comedian,
Though the press they tried to make me out insane.
The one-night stands we played throughout the country
Were successful 'till I opened in New York.
If the papers spoke the truth they would injure Edwin Booth,
But they lied and said I was a gawk.

Chorus.
But I'm James Owen O'Connor, the tragedian,
I'm the greatest living actor of the age;
The two Leonzo Brothers, Arizona Joe and others.
Know I'm the only Hamlet on the stage.

Now, why did Henry Irving leave the country?
And why did Booth and Barrett stay out West?
And why did Barnum's circus go to Brooklyn?
And why? because O'Connor was the best.
When they really knew for certain I was coming.
The Union Square theatre they burned down,
For Robson and Crane they saw it very plain,
They failed When O'Connor struck the town.

Chorus.
But I'm James Owen O'Connor, the tragedian,
I'm stage-struck, crazy and insane;
You thought I and Doctor Landis were a couple of old ganders,
But you'll never get your money back again.

In "Hamlet," my masterpiece, you've seen me;
You've seen my "Romeo and Juliet" ;
You've seen my leading man that sued for salary,
But I took his wife And still she's with me yet.
The Police News, the World, Times And Herald,
They never got a dollar for an add.
And the manager he told me if the grocery stores kept open,
They could've sold out every egg they had.

Chorus.
But I'm James Owen O'Connor, the great actor.
That gave you all the laugh and made a bluff;
But foolish James O'Connor, upon my word And honor,
Had sense enough to get your elegant stuff.