When
you're up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to
face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and
take a brace.
When it's vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you
can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!
Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem
grim,
But don't let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting
trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can
do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!
Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you're beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don't give up, whate'er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!
Ef you strike a thorn or rose,
Keep a-goin'!
Ef it hails or if it snows,
Keep a-goin'!
'Taint no use to sit an' whine
When the fish ain't on your line;
Bait your hook an' keep a-tryin' --
Keep a-goin'!
When the weather kills your crop,
Keep a-goin'!
Though 'tis work to reach the top,
Keep a-goin'!
S'pose you're out o' ev'ry dime,
Gittin' broke ain't any crime;
Tell the world you're feelin' prime --
Keep a-goin'!
When it looks like all is up,
Keep a-goin'!
Drain the sweetness from the cup,
Keep a-goin'!
See the wild birds on the wing,
Hear the bells that sweetly ring,
When you feel like sighin', sing --
Keep a-goin'!