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

Chorus:
\"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

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

(chorus)