The Postman's Story - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
THE POSTMAN'S STORY. Copyright, 1890, by Harding Brothers. Written and composed by Charles Osborne. Arranged by E. W. Eyre. 
Many a time in my fancy I see Many a face that is watching for me; Mighty and lowly, the rich and the poor. Welcome the postman's footstep at the door; One eager face I can see as I stand, Shading his eyes with an old wrinkled hand. Winter and Summer I found him the same, Waiting a letter that never came. 
Chorus. The old man was waiting and watching at the door, Longing for a letter from the lad he'll see no more; See how wistfully he stands as he clasps his feeble hands, While the ship lies a wreck upon the treacherous sands. 
Two years before, from the city of Cork, The good ship " America" went out to New York; Standing on deck was a youth strong and brave, Seeking a fortune away on the wave; Willful And headstrong, determined to win. What could the old father do but give in; Then came their parting, that chill Autumn night, Ended at last by that promise to write.-Chorus. 
Off to the harbor the train swiftly ran. Back to the house went the heart-broken man; All earthly comforts denied him but one, Though he'd not see, he might hear from his son; On went the ship, but she stuck on the sands, Not one was saved of her two hundred hands; How it occurred will never be known Until the ocean shall yield up its own.-Chorus. 
Two years ago ah! it scarcely seems true. Since the "America " was lost with her crew; When the old man heard the tidings, they said, He made no sign, for his reason had fled; Tender hands nursed him to life back again; Weak as a babe to the end he'll remain; When I deliver my letters that way, There he will stand at his post night and day. 
Chorus. The old man still watching and waiting at the door, Longing for a letter from the lad he'll see no more; Yet, alas! in vain he stands as he clasps his feeble hands, While the ship lies a wreck on the treacherous sands.