THE POOR HARD-WORKING MAN
by
T.W. Connor

Performed by Billy Bennett
(Almost a Gentleman)

To stick up for the working man
Has always been my plan,
So I'm here to say a few words for
The poor hard-working man,
Tho' he may be a 'Nincompoop',
A ''Ninny'' and a 'Can'
I'm here to say a few words for
The poor hard-working man.

When times are very bad
And there's no work to be had
And loafers cannot earn their daily bread,
Who battles with the strife
To earn money for his wife,
And spends it on himself... instead ?
When she's fed up with her lot,
Says she wishes she was shot,
Who shivers... when he hears her awful plan
Takes the pistol from the shelf
And says, "Go on then, shoot yerself!
Why... the poor-hard-working man!

A knock comes at the door,
The Insurance man-once more
Has come to ask him to insure his life!
Who is it says, "Not me! I'm not worth it, don't you see,
But put another shilling on my wife!"
And when she starts a fight
With a friend on Saturday night
Who holds her bonnet and helps her all he can?
Who is it holds her back while she gets another whack?
Why... the poor hard-workimg man

He stands outside the Blacksmith's shop
And hears the bellows roar;
He stands outside and watches it with pride.
He sees him swing the heavy sledge,
The sweat roll off his brow
He sees it all, that's why he stands outside
Someday a job he'll get,
But he hasn't got it yet,
So fall out with his Boss, he never can,
Who gets up snow or rain...
And goes back to bed again?
Why... the poor hard-working man.

When there's voting to be done
And Elections to be won,
Who is it that shouts louder than the rest?
Doesn't throw his vote away
Like some jealous people say,
But gives it to the one who pays the best.
He has Socialist ideas
One day's work in seven years
To share out all the money is his plan,
And if it ever comes about
Who'll do the sharing out?
Why... the poor hard-working man!

When strolling round the Town
If he meets a fellow down
Not had a glass of nourishment all day,
Nowhere to sleep at night
He cannot bear the sight,
So he shuts his eyes or goes the other way!
He has always been a sport,
Though he goes home fourpence short
He helps the poor bookmakers all he can.
Who buys their Big cigars,
Champagne and motor-cars?
Why... the poor hard-working man.

Who for Temp'rance stands alone,
But hates paying for his own
The glasses from the counter he will shift.
You can see him knock 'em back.
With Harry, Bill and Jack
With him it's not a habit, it's a gift!
At the Pubs he has to call
So as they don't have it all
Just keeping it from others is his plan.
So who does most would you think
For putting down the drink?
Why... the poor hard-working man!