A Lifetime convict in Joliet Prison, Illinois
The Saloon is sometimes called a Bar,
A Bar to heaven, a door to hell
Whoever named it, named it well;
A Bar to manliness and wealth
A door to want and broken health;
A Bar to honor, pride and fame
A door to grief and sin and shame;
A Bar to hope, a bar to prayer
A door to darkness and despair;
A Bar to honored useful life
A door to brawling, senseless strife;
A Bar to all that's true and brave
A door to every drunkard's grave;
A Bar to joys that home imparts
A door to tears and aching hearts;
A Bar to heaven, a door to hell
Whoever named it; named it well.