Marc Kudisch - The Ballad Of Czolgosz Lyrics

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 all 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 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!"

Big Bill

Gave 'em a thrill

Big Bill

Sold 'em a bill

Big Bill

Who'd want to 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!"

"Want a sip?"
"No, thank you"

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!"