Once it started

the frail and fainthearted

just withered to the floor

Oh so sadly

we examined hands burned badly

by that which no man fears more



#1 the terrible flames of all that remains

   of my little shirtwaiste fire



My best friend was alone in the alcove

does anyone see her there?

such a sweet face trapped in a staircase 

by the smell of her own burning hair



Repeat #1 



#2 glow baby glow as the embers have died there 

   nobody knows what we saw inside there

   twisting and burning the girls fine young bodies

   yes we're burning can you help us please

   yes we're begging we're on bended knees

   oh my little shirtwaiste fire



Girls work hard for small rewards 

or invitations to dine

or one kind word from one who loves them

but what i have earned is mine



Repeat #1



Repeat #2