Back then they didn't have Ipods, MP3 players or CD's. Thus the invention of the Player Piano charmed many households as they could have music in their own homes.
"The rise of the player piano grew with the rise of the mass-produced piano for the home in the late 19th and early 20th century. Sales peaked in 1924, then declined as the improvement in phonograph recordings due to electrical recording methods developed in the mid-1920s. The advent of electrical amplification in home music reproduction via radio in the same period helped cause their eventual decline in popularity, and the stock market crash of 1929 virtually wiped out production." - Wikipedia
One of these Piano Rolls here are entitled "Little Maggie May" it is a traditional liverpool folk song about a prostitute who robs a homeward bound sailor.
Curious what the lyrics to one of these songs were? The Original tune is lost in time but here is an idea for you....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HL-7fANKCU
"Litttle Maggie May"
Over yonder stands little Maggie
With a dram glass in her hand
she's a drinkin-away her troubles
and a-courtin a nother man
Oh how could I ever stand it
Just to see those two blue eyes
They're shinging in the moonlight
Like two diamonds in the sky
Pretty flowers were made for blooming
Pretty stars were made to shine
Pretty girls were made for loving
Little Maggie was made for mine
Sometimes I have a nickel
Sometimes I have a dime
Sometimes I have ten dollars
Just to pay little Maggie's fine
Lay down your last ol' dollar
Lay down your gold watch and chain
Little Maggie's gonna dance for daddy
Listen to this old banjo ring
Oh the last time I saw little Maggie
She was sitting on the banks of the sea
With her forty four around her
And a banjo on her knee
I'm going down to the station
With my suitcase in my hand
I'm going to leave this country
I'm going to some far and distant land
Go 'way, Go 'way little Maggie
Go and do the best you can
I'll get me another woman
You can get you another man
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