The Ballad of Czolgosz Songtext
von Stephen Sondheim

Czolgosz, working man
Born in the middle of Michigan
Woke with a thought and away he ran
To the Pan-american Exposition in Buffalo
In Buffalo

Saw of a sudden how things were run
Said, "time′s a-wasting, it's nineteen-one
Some men have everything
And some have none
So rise and shine
In the U.S.A. you can work your way
To the head of the line"

Single line, ladies and gentlemen
Line forms here to meet
The President of the United States
Single line to shake hands
With President William McKinley


Czolgosz, quiet man
Worked out a quiet and simple plan
Strolled of a morning
All spick and span
To the Temple of Music
By the Tower of Light
At the Pan-american Exposition in Buffalo
In Buffalo

Saw Bill McKinley there in the sun
Heard Bill McKinley say, "folks, have fun
Some folks have everything
And some have none
But that′s just fine
In the U.S.A. you can work your way to the head of the line"

Big Bill!
Gave 'em a thrill
Big Bill!
Sold 'em a bill
Big Bill!
Who′d wanna kill
A man of good will like-
Big Bill

Doesn′t the President look marvelous?
So round and prosperous

Do you know what his favorite dish is?
It was in the papers
Beef!


I'm told that in his spare time
He enjoys collecting coins!

Czolgosz, angry man
Said, "I will do what a poor man can
Yes, and there′s nowhere more fitting than
In the Temple of Music
By the Tower of Light
Between the Fountain of Abundance
And the Court of Lilies
At the great Pan-american Exposition in Buffalo
In Buffalo"

Wrapped him a handkerchief 'round his gun
Said, "nothing wrong about what I′ve done
Some men have everything
And some have none
That's by design
The idea wasn′t mine alone, but mine
And that's a sign!
In the U.S.A you can have your say
You can set your goals and seize the day
You've been given the freedom
To work your way to the head of the line
To the head of the line"