Jimmie Brown

(The Paper Boy)
A sad song from 1875
Words and music by William Shakespeare Hays

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The sheet music:

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Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:

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Lyrics

1. I’m very cold and hungry, sir,
   My clothes are worn and thin,–
   I wander on from place to place,
   My daily bread to win;
   But never mind, sir, how I look,
   Don’t sneer at me, or frown,–
   I’m selling papers, for I am
   The newsboy, Jimmie Brown.

Chorus
I sell the morning paper, sir,
My name is Jimmie Brown,–
Most ev’ry body knows I am
The “poor boy of the town.”

2. My father was a drunkard, sir,
   So I’ve heard my mother say,–
   Before he died, how oft for him
   I’ve heard her weep and pray!
   But I am helping mother now,
   I journey up and down,
   To sell my papers, for I am
   The newsboy, Jimmie Brown.
3. My mother tells me ev’ry night
   To kneel with her and pray,–
   She says if I’ve an honest heart,
   I’ll be all right some day;
   And when she’s gone to heaven, sir,
   To wear a starry crown,
   She’ll wait up there to welcome home
   The newsboy of the town

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Sung here by Vancha March: