“Father Was Killed by the Pinkerton Men” Sheet Music (pdf).
“Father Was Killed by the Pinkerton Men” Karaoke (midi with lyrics).
Lyrics: Anonymous.
Tune: Anonymous.
’Twas in a Pennsylvania town not very long ago;
Men struck against reduction of their pay;
Their millionaire employer with philanthropic show
Had closed the works till starved they would obey.
They fought for home and right to live where they had toiled so long,
But ere the sun had set some where laid low,
Their hearts now sadly grieving by that sad and bitter wrong;
God help them for it was a cruel blow.
God help them tonight in their hour of affliction,
Praying for him who they’ll ne’er see again;
Hear the poor orphans tell their sad story,
“Father was killed by the Pinkerton men!”
Ye prating politicians, who boast protection creed,
Go to Homestead and stop the orphans’ cry.
Protection for the rich man, ye pander to his greed;
His workmen, they are cattle and may die.
The freedom of the city in Scotland far away
’Tis presented to the millionaire suave,
But here in free America, with protection in full sway,
His workmen get the freedom of the grave.
God help them tonight in their hour of affliction,
Praying for him who they’ll ne’er see again;
Hear the poor orphans tell their sad story,
“Father was killed by the Pinkerton men!”