What Did They Ever Do To Get There - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
What Did They Ever Do to Get There? Written and sung by James McAvoy. 
We'll dig up the records of people we know That has climbed up ladder of fame; And some in hard luck with no ladders to climb, But those are the ones we can't blame. I'd like to see some honest man that's got wealth, Or has money by honesty made; I'd rather take chances and rob all I can, For it is one of the tricks of the trade. When we think of the millions that some of them has, I'll tell you right on the dead square, It will keep me a going as long as I live. What did they ever do to get there? 
What has Jim Blain done to rule our great land? And St. John with his temperance speech? And where did Kilrain get the championship, When he's out of John Sullivan's reach? Why did young---make arrangements quick, And where did he get all his tin? And how did Mrs. Langtry make such a great hit? Where did So-and-So get all his wind? And Why did McGargal to Canada go, With Maloney his pleasures to share? And why did Jake Sharp get four years in Sing Sing? What did he ever do to get there? 
What did Cleveland do to win fame so dear? And why does the girls dress so neat? And why did the Detroits win the pennant this year, And the rest of the clubs they did beat? Why is it Ben Butler sees straight every time, Though his eyes are as crooked as spoons? Why does the bartenders tend bar for a year, And the next they own the saloons? But the "Thistle "it did not stick nobody here, But got beaten two miles on the square, 'Twas our own little yachty, our dear "Volunteer," Showed her what she could do to get there.