Baltimore Fire

February 1904 saw the most destructive fire sweep through Baltimore in its entire history. The entire business district and the wharfs were destroyed. Fire fighters came from from up and down the east coast, but the fire could not be contained before the damage was done. The tragedy inspired the folk song "Baltimore Fire" which Dan Meyer has arranged for four-part SATB choir.

Lyrics:

It was on a silver falls by a narrow
That I heard the cry I ever will remember;
The fire sent and cast its burning embers
On another fated city of our land.

Fire, fire, I heard the cry
From every breeze that passes by;
All the world was one sad cry of pity.
Strong men in anguish prayed,
Calling loud to heaven for aid
While the fire in ruin laid
Fair Baltimore, the beautiful city.
Amid an awful struggle of commotion,
The wind blew a gale from the ocean.
Brave firemen struggled with devotion,
But their efforts all proved in vain.

Folk song arrangement © 2004, Daniel C. Meyer