You can see the sheet music either at the Library of Congress web site or at Pullman State Historic Site (Chicago). Click for an mp3 (piano part only).


THE PORTER IN A PULLMAN CAR
Words by Harry Warner; music by Will H. Bray
"As sung in the Tourists P.P.C."
Cincinnati: John Church & Co., ©1880.

1. When you sally forth for bus'ness or for pleasure,
On a journey by the evening train,
Just as soon as you get fairly on the platform,
Your duty is quite plain:
Speak kindly to the colored gen'man there,
Dressed in a suit of blue.
Fork out small change in plenty and you'll find
That he'll take care of you.

CHORUS: He'll rid you soon of all your trouble.
Your comforts and expenses double.
Ever pleasant, ever willing and obliging,
More particular if the tip is "thar!"
What a tiresome thing your trip would be without him.
SPOKEN: Don't you think so? 50 cents all around, please.
SUNG: The Porter in a Pullman car.

2. He is always just as neat and just as tidy
As you could wish to see,
And he never is the slightest out of temper,
Unless you make too free.
Remember he's the most important man
Upon the train by far.
Life's journey is a weary one without
The Porter in a Pullman car.