After The Curtain Falls - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
AFTER THE CURTAIN FALLS. Copyright, 1894. by A. O. Duncan. Words by Frank Young. Music by A. O. Duncan. Arranged by Fred White. 
How oft we watch the players und they seem so light and gay, We wonder if they really feel the happy parts they play; The dancer, as she lightly tripe in the footlight's glare, She is to us the brightest one of all assembled there. 
Refrain. But could we only linger, could we only see, The actor and the dancer, how different they would be; 
Chorus. After the curtain falls, when the lights are low. After the play Is over and merrily home we go-Many a cry of sadness is heard within those walls, The scene is shifted, the veil is lifted, after the curtain falls. 
The rich man he has got to pay whate'er his cares may be, To keep his family pride, the debt he owes society; His friends will gather 'round him, and so well be plays his part, They dance and sing and drink his health with envy in each heart. 
Refrain. But could they only linger, could they only see, That proud man and his family, how different they would be.-Chorus. 
And so you'll find in every life a stage on which we play Our brightest parts, and hide our sorrows from the light of day; We greet each other with a smile, we're actors one and all, And should you try to read our hearts we let the curtain fall. 
Refrain. But could you only linger, could you only see, Our bright and smiling faces, how different they would be.- Chorus.