William Parry - The Ballad of Czolgosz lyrics

[BALLADEER] Czolgosz, working man Born in the middle of Michigan Woke with a thought And away he ran To the Pan-American Exposition In Buffalo In Buffalo Saw of a sudden How things were run Said, "Time's a-wasting It's nineteen-one Some men have everything And some have none So rise and shine— In the U.S.A You can work your way To the head of the line!" [ATTENDANT, speaking (the same actor as the Proprietor)] Single line, ladies and gentlemen. Line forms here to meet the President of the United States. Single line to shake hands with President William McKinley.​ [BALLADEER] Czolgosz, quiet man Worked out a quiet And simple plan Strolled of a morning All spick and span To the Temple of Music By the Tower of Light At the Pan-American Exposition In Buffalo In Buffalo Saw Bill McKinley there In the sun Heard Bill McKinley say "Folks, have fun! Some men have everything And some have none But that's just fine In the U.S.A You can work your way To the head of the line!" [FAIRGOERS] Big Bill— [BALLADEER] —Gave 'em a thrill [FAIRGOERS] Big Bill— [BALLADEER] —Sold 'em a bill [FAIRGOERS] Big Bill— [BALLADEER] —Who'd want to k** A man of good will like— [FAIRGOERS] —Big Bill [FAIRGOER #1, spoken] Doesn't the President look marvelous? So round and prosperous! [FAIRGOER #2, spoken] Do you know what his favorite dish is? It was in the paper. Beef! [FAIRGOER #3, spoken] I'm told that in his spare time, he enjoys collecting coins! [BALLADEER] Czolgosz, angry man Said, "I will do what A poor man can Yes, and there's nowhere More fitting than In the Temple of Music By the Tower of Light Between the Fountain of Abundance And the Court of Lilies At the great Pan-American Exposition In Buffalo In Buffalo" Wrapped him a handkerchief 'Round his gun Said, "Nothin' wrong about What I done Some men have everything And some have none That's by design The idea wasn't mine alone But mine And that's the sign In the U.S.A You can have your say You can set your goals And seize the day You've been given the freedom To work your way To the head of the line— To the head of the line!"