Lyrics:
A simple song I'll sing to you,
The subject's anything but new,
But yet I hope 'twill please a few,
Perhaps nine out of ten.
It's meant to please the grave and gay,
A happy moral to convey,
And if you follow all I say,
You'll be a happy man;
To those who feel discourag'd,
I merely wish to show,
The future will be brighter if
You'll only make it so.
Now if a moment you'll allow,
And pay attention to me now,
I fancy i can tell you how
To be a happy man.
If you are anxious to be wed,
By beauty only don't be lead,
But look for sterling worth instead,
And find one if you can.
Whose trust in faith and constancy,
Will cheer you on life's stormy sea,
And even in adversity,
Make you a happy man;
Be gentle to each other,
Don't mind what intervenes,
Remember if you mean to live,
To live within your means.
The truth of this you can't deny,
If on yourself you will rely,
Success will greet you by and by,
You'll be a happy man.
Don't ever shirk or slight a friend,
By merest chance you may offend,
And wound him when you don't intend,
So let this be your plan.
What faults in others you detect,
Take to yourself, and then reflect,
Perhaps you have the same defect,
Remove it if you can;
Civility costs nothing,
Of that you may be sure,
Respect show you to all around
And kindly treat the poor.
Your business done, don't stop out late,
To help a friend don't hesitate,
Live well yourself, but moderate,
You'll all be happy then.
