BAD COMPANIONS As sung by Carl T. Sprague, 1925. Come all you young companions, and listen unto me. I'll tell you all a sad story of some bad company. I was born in Pennsylvania, among those beautiful hills, And the mem'ry of my childhood is warm within me still. I did not like my fireside; I did not like my home. I had in view for rambling, so far away did roam. I had a kind old mother, who often would plead with me, And the last words that she gave me were to pray to God in need. I had two loving sisters as kind and beautiful could be, And down on their knees before me they prayed and wept for me. I bid adieu to loved ones; to home, I bid farewell. I landed in Chicago, the very depths of hell. 'Twas there I took to drinking; I sinned both night and day, And yet within my bosom, that feeble voice would say: "Oh, fare thee well, my loved one; may God protect my boy, And blessings ever with him, throughout his manhood joy." I courted a fair young maiden; her name I will not tell, For I would ever disgrace her, as I am doomed for hell. 'Twas on one beautiful evening, the stars were shining bright, And with that fatal dagger, I bid her spirit fly. Then justice overtook me, you all can plainly see. My soul is doomed forever, throughout eternity. It's now I'm on the scaffold; my moments are not long. You may forget the singer, but don't forget the song.
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