Grover Cleveland (A Life) Lyrics

March 18th of '37 up in Caldwell, NJ

Stephen Grover Cleveland came into this world that day

He studied law at a lawyer's, '59, he joined the bar

He paid for a replacement to fight in the Civil War

Ran his law practice, County Sheriff in '71

In '73, returned to law, worked hard like anyone

In Buffalo, New York, he ran for mayor and won

Soon, he became governor for his fighting corruption

He was picked to run in '85, became president

Then, Cleveland wed Frances after her parent's consent

Had five children, Francis, Richard, Marion, Esther and Ruth

Fought political corruption, always seeking the truth

He vetoed many bills, the watchdog over Congress

But, his plans to lower tariffs caused unions much distress

He lost re-election, but four years later, Cleveland won

The financial Panic of '93 brought fear and bank runs

Grover Cleveland, president 22 and 24

A man with principles, more concerned with action than rapport

He felt America resilient, could withstand the pain

But his unpopular plans made him lose what he had gained

He left Washington in '97 for his New Jersey home

Served as trustee for Princeton U., made his opinions known

On June 24, 1908, Cleveland lost the fight

His last words that morning were, I've tried so hard to do right

His legacy was his drive to keep Washington honest

He's on the $1,000 bill, tried to fulfill his promise