“The Pullman Strike” Sheet Music (pdf).
“The Pullman Strike” Karaoke (midi with lyrics).
Lyrics: Anonymous.
Tune: “The Widow’s Plea for Her Son.”
Near the City of Chicago, where riot holds full sway,
The workingmen of Pullman are battling for fair play;
But the Boss he would not listen to the workingmen’s appeal
And scorned their mute advances, no sympathy did feel.
The railroad men refused to move even a single car,
Till suddenly from Washington they heard the White House Czar
Proclaim them all lawbreakers, and then in mournful tone
To their countrymen they sent their cry with sad and dismal moan:
Remember, we are workmen, and we want honest pay.
And gentlemen, remember, we work hard day by day.
Let Pullman remember, too, no matter where he roams,
We built up his capital, and we’re pleading for our homes.
The troops are ordered from the East and from the Western shore;
The firebrands of anarchy are brought to every door;
Honest workmen repudiate the work of thugs and tramps
And think it is an outrage to be reckoned with these scamps.
Arbitration is what they asked, but the Boss he quick refused,
“Your fight is with the railroads,” was the answer they perused.
But Pullman will regret the day he gave his harsh reply,
And workingmen throughout the land will heed our pleading cry:
Remember, we are workmen, and we want honest pay.
And gentlemen, remember, we work hard day by day.
Let Pullman remember, too, no matter where he roams,
We built up his capital, and we’re pleading for our homes.