Page:When the Leaves Come Out (Chaplin 1917).pdf/41

 

I wonder if you understand
 * Why people always say,

"The ghost is walking" when you go
 * To get your hard-earned pay?

About this thing your "pay," my lads,
 * I've got a word to say:

'Tis but a "ghost" that flits about
 * And always flies away.

It's true that with your horny hands
 * You labor every day,

Yet you get nothing but a "ghost"
 * To keep the wolf away.

You house the world and clothe the world
 * And feed the world each day,

Yet you get nothing but a "ghost"
 * To keep the wolf away.

Your bosses are well-fed and fat,
 * Their smiles are blithe and gay.

They do not rob you with a gun,—
 * They have a better way.

They have a better way, my lads,—
 * They give a "ghost" for pay;

You toil and moil because you must,
 * They rob because they may.