A beautiful, pathetic song and chorus, 1898.
words and music by William B. Gray
A story of life’s “other side” taken from an actual occurrence. Author’s note: The theme of this song is indeed a delicate one to handle, and is offered in sympathy, and not defense, for the unfortunate erring creatures, the life of one of whom suggested its construction.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
- At the old concert hall on the Bowery
‘Round a table were seated, one night
A crowd of young fellows carousing
With them life seemed cheerful and bright
At the very next table, was seated
A girl who had fallen to shame
All the young fellows jeered at her weakness
‘Till they heard an old woman exclaim
Chorus
“She is more to be pitied than censured
She is more to be helped than despised
She is only a lassie who ventured
On life’s stormy path ill advised
Do not scorn her with words fierce and bitter
Do not laugh at her shame and downfall
For a moment just stop and consider
That a man was the cause of it all”
- There’s an old fashioned church round the corner
Where the neighbors all gathered one day
While the parson was preaching a sermon
O’er a soul that had just passed away
‘Twas this same wayward girl from the Bow’ry
Who a life of adventure had led
Did the clergyman jeer at her downfall?
No, he asked for God’s Mercy and said
Sung here by Fred Feild: