Ere The Day Is Done - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
ERE THE DAY IS DONE. Copyright, 1891, by Frank Harding. Revised by Walter P. Keen. Composed by George Le Brunn. Sung by Marion A Keen. 
In the mighty city, 'mid the busy throng, Mark the forms like shadows as they pass along; Beauty, pride, and riches; poverty and rags. Hungry wretches jostling those with money bags; Pressing ever onward in the race of life, Squalid woe and splendor, happiness and strife. 
Chorus. Stand aside in the street and watch faces that come and go; Some with a tale of hopes that fail, others that gleam and glow. Beggars in rags and merchants grand, striving for wealth each one; Many a heart will be nigh to break ere the day is done. 
Outside of the city, on the village green, In the early morning, two young men are seen; They have had a quarrel last night at the ball. Now they'll fight a duel, one of them will fall; One had found the other flirting with his wife-Swore that on the morrow he would have his life. 
Chorus. For the name of my family I am prepared to die; If he should be the one to fall, I am prepared to fly; If it were with swords, I'd stand a chance, for I never could use a gun; And one has passed to eternity ere the day is done. 
When the lights are gleaming in the mansion grand. And the merry masquers waltzing to the band. Riches, worth and beauty gorgeously arrayed, All have joined together in gay masquerade. But outside the mansion, hid by gloom almost, Stands a stern-faced stranger, like a ghastly ghost. 
Chorus. "Ha, you villain, I have you now!" "Loose your hold!" "Never, cur!" "Leave go my throat!" "No, I'll kill you; kill you as you killed her!" "Mercy, good man, don't murder me!" "Mercy, I'll show you none!" And a father avenges his daughter's fate ere the day is done.