American Old Time Song Lyrics: 54 The Actors Dying Child

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 54

THE ACTOR'S DYING CHILD.
Copyright, 1896, by A. M. Hull.
Words by Alan Warren. Music by Emily Smith.

In a grand theatre, where all was gay and bright,
A brilliant star appeared there, each and ev'ry night.
To play the light and gay, which pleased the folks so well,
But ev'ry call stabbed deep his heart, his sorrows none could tell.
The actor's brain was in a whirl, and seemed to drive him wild.
For his thoughts they were of home, where lay his dying child,
Oh! that she should not die when I am far away,
But I cannot forget the words my little one did say:

Refrain.
Papa dear, 'tis seven o'clock, I counted ev'ry chime;
'Tis very late, why don't you go, you won't be there In time;
You must go out and make them laugh, please go now, papa dear.
The people all would miss you so, and the play would seem so drear.

The play is o'er, in costume he rushes to the street.
And quickly driven to his home, his wife's sad face to meet,
The parents heaved a sigh, for neither moved or spoke,
And when the time-piece chimed again, the little one awoke,
The child arose and looked around, a heav'nly face had she,
And something seem'd to whisper that she neared eternity;
They saw their child was dying, and bending low to hear,
These words in their fond mem'ry will remain forever dear:- Refrain