Historic Sheet Music Collection
Title
Document Type
Score
Publication Date
1841
Lyrics
The wing of my spirit is broken
The day star of hope has declined
For a month not a word have I spoken
That's either polite or refin'd
My mind's like the sky in bad weather
When mist clouds around us are curled
And viewing myself altogether
I'm the veriest wretch in the world
I suppose she was right in rejecting my prayers
But why tell me why did she kick me downstairs
I wander about like a vagrant
I spend half my time in the street
My conducts improper and flagrant
For I quarrel with all that I meet
My dress too is wholly neglected
My hat I pull over my brow
And I look like a fellow suspected
Of wishing to kick up a row
I suppose she was right in rejecting my prayers
But why tell me why did she kick me downstairs
At home I'm an object of horror
To boarder and waiter and maid
But my landlady views me with sorrow
When she thinks of the bill that's unpaid
Abroad my acquaintance flout me
The ladies cry, "Bless us look there"
And the little boys cluster around me
And sensible citizens stare
I suppose she was right in rejecting my prayers
But why tell my why did she kick me down stairs
One says "He's a victim to cupid"
Another "His conducts too bad"
A third "He is awfully stupid"
A fourth "He is perfectly mad"
And then I am watched like a bandit
My friends with me all are at strife
By heaven no longer I'll stand it
But quick put an end to my life
I suppose she was right in rejecting my prayers
But why tell me why did she kick me down stairs
I've though of the means - yet I shudder
At dagger, or ratsbane, or rope
At drawing with lancet my blood or
A razor without any soap
Suppose I should fall in a duel
And thus leave the stage with e'clat
But to die with a bullet is cruel
Besides 'twould be breaking the law
I suppose she was right in rejecting my prayers
But why tell me why did she kick me down stairs
Yet one way remains - to the river
I'll fly from the goadings of care
But drown oh the thought makes me shiver
A terrible death, I declare
Ah no! I'll once more see my Kitty
And parry her cruel disdain
Beseech her to take me in pity
And never dismiss me again
I suppose she was right in rejecting my prayers
But why tell me why did she kick me down stairs
Recommended Citation
Russell, Henry, "Dismissed" (1841). Historic Sheet Music Collection. 337.
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/sheetmusic/337
The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.
Comments
The Dismissed
A Comic Song
Words by Geo. P. Morris
Music by Henry Russell
New York. Published by Firth & Hall No.1 Franklin Square
Some of the resources may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the libraries or the institution.