American Old Time Song Lyrics: 41 I Lost My Reputation

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 41

I LOST MY REPUTATION.
Copyright, 1893, by The Huyett Music Co.
Words by Fred. B. Hill. Music by Geo. May wood.

When first I came to town I was the darling of the gang,
I called myself a pugilist and loud my praises rang;
I missed my calculation tho', the truth must be confessed,
For they backed me then to fight O'Doolan, champion of the West.
They forced the contest on me, and trained me like a horse;
The forfeit money was all up, I had to fight, of course.
They told me to be careful, wouldn't let me drink a drop,
For I'd lose my reputation if O'Doolan did me up.

Chorus.
"You must do him quickly, Brady, all our boodle Is on you;
And when the scrap is over we will have a drink or two,
But when the bout was over I was treated like a pup,
For I lost my reputation when O'Doolan did me up.

The referee cried, "Ready ", and "Time "somebody roared,
I hadn't time to wink when O'Doolan had me floored.
My backers yelled, "Go at him!" but I could scarcely see,
I made a rush at someone and I smashed the referee.
O'Doolan feinted at me and I aimed an awful blow,
I thought I had him finished, but I didn't stand a show;
For when he got through slugging me I was an awful sight,
And before the gong had sounded Tim O'Doolan won the fight.-Chorus.

They took me to a hospital and laid me on a bunk;
My backers had deserted me, they all went on a drunk.
And so for weeks I laid there, swearing vengeance on them all,
While Tim O'Doolan celebrated over Brady's fall.
And when I left the hospital, 'twas early in the spring,
I sought to find my backers that an action I might bring;
It brought a month for vagrancy, so bitter was my cup,
For I lost my reputation when O'Doolan did me up.- Chorus.