Lynn Ahrens - His Name Was Coalhouse Walker lyrics

[PEOPLE OF HARLEM] His name was Coalhouse Walker [MAN 1] Was a native of St. Louis some years before [WOMAN 1] When he heard the music of old Scott Joplin [MAN 2] In St. Louis [WOMAN 2] Bought himself some piano lessons Working as a stevedore [MAN 3] Here was a music That truly inspired him [LADIES] Dancers required him [MEN] Club owners hired him [PEOPLE OF HARLEM] The strivers of Harlem Respected and admired him [MAN 4] For turning Harlem into art [COALHOUSE] But Coalhouse had a broken heart... (spoken) The Good Lord looked down, saw me lonely and loveless And thought to Himself: "Enough is enough. I'm putting Sarah in Coalhouse's life." (sung) And he did (spoken) This wasn't a woman. This was an angel, a gift of God Coalhouse loved this woman, but not wisely and not Too well. She left me without a word or trace. There was No pity for me [SARAH' S FRIEND] None whatsoever, Coalhouse [COALHOUSE] Now she is haunting me Just like a melody- The only song I seem to know Sarah, my life has changed Sarah, I miss you so Sarah, I did you wrong Sarah, where did you go? And then this morning, the miracle happened. I found Out where she is and I'm going to do my damnedest to See she takes me back. Ladies and gentlemen, the Gettin' Ready Rag!