Whene'er I take my walks abroad
How many poor I see!
I weep for Ethel, May, and Maude,
And curse their poverty.

I've seen a girl whose heels were worn,
And one whose scarf was frayed;
I've glimpsed a maid whose veil was torn,
Whose gown was ready-made.

But on the subway yestere'en
Sight not to be forgotten!
Oh Poverty! I saw a queen
With stockings made of cotton.

Whene'er I take my walks abroad
How many poor I see!
I weep for Ethel, May, and Maude,
And curse their poverty.

I've seen a girl whose heels were worn,
And one whose scarf was frayed;
I've glimpsed a maid whose veil was torn,
Whose gown was ready-made.

But on the subway yestere'en
Sight not to be forgotten!
Oh Poverty! I saw a queen
With stockings made of cotton.