A Distressed Home Made Happy - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
A Distressed Home Made Happy. Copyright. 1894. by Jas. Horton. Words and Music by Joe Welch. 
There is a family tenement on the east side of this town; There lived a happy family until poverty broke them down; Consisting of three children, and a widow, who is old, Who sold every thing of value to keep up the household; Misfortune seemed to be with them, they tried every thing in vain; The landlord demands his month's rent, or says they can't remain; But one son is there who'll support, who now lies ill in bed; They seem to be contented, but a dispossess they dread. 
Chorus. Now they are friendless, and no one they know; Though when they were wealthy their money did flow; There is trouble began when their poor father died. And though they have fallen, they always kept pride. 
Their dreary days were still goin' on, a knock came at the door; It was a friend they had not seen since happy days of yore; He come to pay a visit, though once in many years: When he heard of their misfortune it brought to his eyes tears; He listened to the story that the poor old woman told. Then placed some money in her hand, which was 50 pounds in gold; He promised he would pay the rent and to all her debts would see; The time had come when fate would change and happy make them be. 
Chorus. Now they're contented, their trouble is o'er; When sickness come o'er them their troubles they bore; There is nothing to fear then while dear friend lives, Who saves them from poverty and a distressed home.