What Could The Poor Girl Do - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
What Could the Poor Girl Do? Copyright, 1891, by Howard & Co. Words and Music by E. Alexandra. 
While walking down a busy thoroughfare, You see a pretty girl, with golden hair, Tripping along, humming a song. Ah happy as the birds in the air, When suddenly the rain it patters down. You'd think the pretty darling she would drown; Her dress holds high to keep it dry, And the men stare as she toddle's through the town: 
Chorus But what could the poor girl do? Boys, what could the poor girl do? She'd a pretty little shoe, and she liked to show it, too, So I couldn't blame the girl, could you? 
A pretty girl in bathing went one day, Dressed in a bathing suit of colors gay, When, like a mouse, from bathing-house, A thief her garments stole and ran away; She learned her clothes were lost, and she must roam The city in a costume made for foam; She gave a sigh, but did not cry, And then pluckily she started out for home. 
Chorus. But what could the poor girl do? Boys, what could the poor girl do? Through the streets she had to scoot, dressed up in a bathing suit, So I couldn't blame the girl, could you? 
Now when a man gets married, you'll agree, At family work he's helpless as can be; His wife says, Dan, most every man Assists his wife, now why don't you help me? The henpecked man consents, but with a scowl-At night he walks the floor to baby's howl, While mamma dear, without a fear, Says I'll retire, then hubby starts to growl. 
Chorus. But what could the poor girl do? Boys, what could the poor girl do? While the baby loudly roars, mamma goes to sleep and snores, And I couldn't blame the girl, could you? 
A good ship o'er the ocean swiftly sped, The sun was shining brightly overhead, The captain and a maiden grand Stood on the deck, when suddenly he said: Now from your pretty lips I'll take a sip, Or else this boat has seen its final trip, Unless I kiss you, pretty Miss, All lives aboard are lost, I'll sink the ship. 
Chorus. Now what could the poor girl do? Boys, what could the poor girl do? Now she's very much adored, she saved all the lives on board, And I couldn't blame the girl, could you?