From the musical “Tenderloin,” 1960
Words by Sheldon Harnick
Music by Jerry Bock
The sheet music:
Lyrics
1. Alone in the world was poor little Ann
As sweet a young child as you’d find
Her parents had gone to their final reward
Leaving their darling behind
This poor little child was but nine years of age
When mother and dad went away
But bravely she worked at the one thing she knew
To earn her few pennies each day
She made artificial flowers, artificial flowers
Flowers for ladies of fashion to wear
Artificial flowers, artificial flowers
Fashioned from Annie’s despair
2. With paper and shears, with wire and wax
She fashioned each tulip and mum
As snow drifted into her tenement room
Her dear little fingers grew numb
With paper and shears, with wire and wax
She labored and never complained
‘Til cutting and folding her health slipped away
And wiring and waxing she waned
Making artificial flowers, artificial flowers
Flowers for ladies of fashion to wear
Artificial flowers, artificial flowers
Fashioned from Annie’s despair
3. They found little Ann, all covered with ice
Still clutching her poor frozen shears
Amidst all the blossoms she fashioned by hand
And watered with all her young tears
There must be a heaven where Annie can play
In heavenly gardens and bowers
Instead of a halo she’ll wear round her head
A garland of genuine flowers
No more artificial flowers, artificial flowers
Flowers for ladies of fashion to wear
Artificial flowers, artificial flowers
Fashioned from Annie’s despair