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)