1: It was only through a fault and by an error
That I heard the cry I ever shall remember
The fire sent and cast its burning ember
On another fated city of our land
Ref: "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 was laying
Fair Baltimore, the beautiful city
2: 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
Ref: (then repeat Ref)