A popular song from 1902
Words and music by Warren R. Walker
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. I went to Coney Island, the funny sights to see
I went to the end of the Bowery, for that attracted me
And there I saw a Hobo a-riding on one wheel
It doubled me with laughter, so funny did I feel
Next I saw a farmer and a lamb march down the street
A clown and a giant, they both were hard beat
I walked up to the gateway and started to go in
When I heard a fife and drum corps that made an awful din
Chorus:
At the steeple chase, at the steeple chase
It costs but a dime, but you have a good time
At the steeple chase, at the steeple chase
If you go to dear old Coney and want to be quite tony
Why, visit the steeple chase
2. I paid my dime admission and saw the funny stairs
I walked up to the top and it almost turned my hairs
I rode upon the horses, oh, how they did run
I never saw a place where you could have such fun
I thought I felt quite thirsty and went to take a drink
A shock from the faucet made me take another think
Next I saw a camel, I rode upon its back
I’ll ne’er forget the steeple chase, there’s not a thing it lacks
3. Next I saw the mirrors that make you thin or fat.
I went inside the Windy Care and almost lost my hat.
The Electric Cave I went to see to try and get a shock-
I didn’t have to try hard, it made me run a block.
It got me feeling funny, and I almost fell apart:
When I got in the Barrel of Love I almost lost my heart.
I went upon the Grand Canal and on the Aerial Slide.
Then on the Midget Railway, I’ll ne’er forget that ride.
4. A bugler by the horses toots every little while,
His tunes so strange and martial make everybody smile.
I rode the Razzle Dazzle, went on the Funny Slide,
The Yacht and the funny seat that almost broke my side.
No doubt you’ve heard of Mars and traveling in a balloon
In the airship Luna I went up to the moon
The dance hall that you see there is the finest in the world
The next time I visit it I’ll surely bring my girl.
5. I thought I’d take a trip to the House That’s Upside Down.
I went upon the swings and on the Merry-go-round.
In the House of Too Much Trouble I nearly went insane.
When I went in the Maze I thought I’d ne’er come out again.
When I went in the Park, the time was half past two.
But when the place closed up I found I was but half through.
Next time I go to Coney, out upon a lark.
I”ll make sure to see the rest of Tilyou’s Steeplechase Park.