The Ballad of Czolgosz

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"

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

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 folks 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"

Big Bill!

Gave 'em a thrill

Big Bill!

Sold 'em a bill

Big Bill!

Who'd wanna kill

A man of good will like-

Big Bill

Doesn't the President look marvelous?

So round and prosperous

Do you know what his favorite dish is?

It was in the papers

Beef!

I'm told that in his spare time

He enjoys collecting coins!

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, "nothing wrong about what I've done

Some men have everything

And some have none

That's by design