His Name Was Coalhouse Walker

His name was Coalhouse Walker.

Was a native of St. Louis some years before.

When he heard the music od Scott Joplin

In St. Louis

Bought himself some piano lessons
Working as a stevedore.

Here was a music
That truly inspired.

Dancers required him.

Club owners hired him.

The strivers of Harlem
Respected and admired him

For turning Harlem into art

But Coalhouse had a broken heart.
The Good Lord looked down, saw me lonely and loveless,
And thought to Himself: "Enough is enough. I'm putting
Sarah in Coalhouse's life."
And he did.

This wasn't a woman.
This was an angel, a gift of God.
Coalhouse loved this woman, but not wisely and not
Too well.
She left me without a word or trace.
There was
No pity for me.

None whatsoever, Coalhouse.

Now she is haunting me
Just like a melody-
The only song I seem to know.
Sarah, my life has changed.
Sarah, I miss you so.
Sarah, I did you wrong.
Sarah, where did you go?

And then this morning, the miracle happened. I found
Out where she is and I'm going to do my damnedest to
See she takes me back. Ladies and gentlemen, the
Gettin' Ready Rag!