Lyrics

Attention now good people all, and hark to what I say,
About this sad disaster that we record today;
That happened on the Western Coast around that rugged shore,
Where families were swept away to see their friends no more.

Last Monday week just after four they heard a rumbling noise,
But used to storms on that wild coast, it gave them no surprise;
When suddenly an earthquake shock, and then a tidal wave,
When six and twenty precious souls soon met a watery grave.

The tidal wave with fearful force, full fifteen feet or more,
The fishermen’s snug little homes were swept from off the shore;
Poor helpless women on that day all paralyzed with fear,
To save their homes and families and children they loved dear.

In parts of Burin on that coast, and also Lamaline,
The place is strewn with wreckage and scarce a house is seen;
Their boats and nets and stages, and all their fishing gear,
Was carried away by this tidal wave and soon did disappear.

And when the sad news reached the town and soon flashed o’er the wire,
They quickly sent the Meigle with food they did require;
No blankets, quilts or bedding could these poor creatures save,
Their homes and all their savings swept by this tidal wave.

Then Arlie Marks and Company, though strangers in our land,
The first to hold a concert and gave a helping hand;
To these poor souls on sore distress a fine donation gave,
Who suffered most severely by that fearful tidal wave.

Donations soon came pouring in from every one in town,
The poor man with his dollar did freely put it down;
The merchants grand donations gave to head the list did start,
Outsiders, friends and strangers gave with a generous heart.

Success in this world’s goods they’ll have, and God’s blessing fall for sure,
On those who give out freely to assist the hungry poor;
For Newfoundland was always known and always did its share,
And never let a Christian die when she had a crust to share.

Lyrics from GEST Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador