Songs from the Fire

Passing Through the Fire

Found in “Passing Through the Fire,” by George F. Root

One of three songs in this library by George F. Root, of the Chicago firm of Root & Cady. Note that the verses are to be sung con fuoco (with fire). It is performed by Patrice Michaels, soprano.

Con Fuoco. 

1.   Flames! flames! terrible flames! 
     How they rise, how they mount, how they fly. 
     The heavens are spread with a fierce lurid glare, 
     Red heat is filling the earth with air, 
     While, mercy! mercy! We hear the despairing ones cry. 

chorus: (Moderato)

     Passing thro' the fire! passing thro' the fire, 
     And it is our Father's hand, 
     Tho' we may not understand 
     Why we're passing thro' the fire, 
          passing thro' the fire! 

2.   Flames! flames! terrible flames! 
     How they sweep, how they rush, how they roar. 
     See the hideous tongues round the roof, 
          tree and spire, 
     As swells their wild carnival higher and higher, 
     Till falling! crashing! Our glorious 
          city's no more. 

3.   Flames! flames! terrible flames! 
     What a fearful destruction they bring. 
     What suff'ring and want in their train follow fast, 
     As forth on the streets homeless 
          thousands are cast, 
     But courage! courage! From the mid'st of the 
          furnace we sing.

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Pity the Homeless

Found in “Pity the Homeless, or Burnt Out,” by James R. Murray

A waltz published in Boston.  The song is performed by Patrice Michaels, soprano.

 

1.   Pity the homeless, pity the poor, 
     By the fierce Fire fiend forced to your door; 
     List to their pleading, list to their cry, 
     Pass them not heedlessly by,
     Roused from their slumbers, peaceful and sweet, 
     Hastening in terror into the street, 
     Leaving behind them treasure most dear, 
     Flying in anguish and fear...

chorus: 

     Pity the homeless, pity the poor, 
     By the fierce Fire fiend forced to your door; 
     List to their pleading, list to their cry, 
     Pass them not heedlessly by. 

2.   See how the Fire king leaps in his joy! 
     As his dead minions haste to destroy; 
     See how the homes, once peaceful and fair, 
     Wrapped in the flames, melt in air.
     Haste then, and help them, who from their home 
     Shelterless, foodless, wearily roam.
     Pity their anguish, list to their prayers, 
     Lighten their labors and cares.


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