BROWN THE TRAGEDIAN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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I'm an actor who's seen better days For I once was a star I've a notion I've been tossed about all sorts of ways Upon the theatrical ocean But jealousy, spite and all that Has brought me down to but a seedy 'un It's been all caused by envy, - that's flat For I once was a heavy tragedian. Chorus: I've been a bright star in my time Though now I'm reduced to a seedy 'un In me you may please to behold Junius Brown the tragedian. You have all seen my name in the bills Which is Junius Antonius Brown, sirs And I flatter myself I have caused Great excitement in many a town, sirs My last shop was Garrick, Whitechapel In a part that I could above any fit My 'screw' sirs, for only six nights Was two pounds and half a clear benefit. (Four lines of spoken dialogue) Chorus: Since Kemble none like me's been seen Yet naught but bad luck is my portion My friends say I'm better than Kean That my Richard and Hamlet's a caution They say my declaiming's a treat In the speech over Caesar by Antony I can do the soft parts low and sweet Likewise I can 'pile up the agony'. (Six lines of spoken dialogue) Chorus: I search through the 'era' each week And I 'write in' when talent's required But they say they don't know me (There's cheek) Of such insults and envy I'm tired They offer me terms for a 'super' Or ask if I'm up to 'utility' But I'll starve and remain as I am An artiste of wondrous ability. Chorus: |
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Written and composed by G.W. Hunt - 1870 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performed by Arthur Lloyd (1840-1904) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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