THE LANDLORD’S LAMENT

 (Air: “Oh, Dear, What Can the Matter Be”)

The Helderberg Boys are playing the dickens!
The night of confusion around me now thickens,
Unless the rent business with some of us quickens,
We’ll all have to live without rents!

CHORUS: Oh, dear, what can the matter be?
Dear, dear, what can the matter be?
What shall I do with my tenants?
How shall I get all my rents?

I used to get rich through the poor toiling tenants,
And I spent all their earnings in pleasures satanic,
But now I confess I’m in a great panic,
Because I can get no more rent!

CHORUS: Oh, dear, etc.

My tenants once to my office were flocking,
Some without a coat, or a shoe, or a stocking,
But now I declare it is really shocking,
To know I shall get no more rent.

CHORUS: Oh, dear, etc.

I must give up this business I vow it’s no use to me,
It’s been a continual source of abuse to me;
The friends of equal rights give no peace to me
Until they get clear of the rent.

CHORUS: Oh, dear, etc.

E. P.

 -From the Albany Freeholder.