Worm or beetle - drought or tempest - on a farmer's land may fall, Each is loaded full o' ruin, but a mortgage beats 'em all.

I've watched my duty, straight an' true, an' tried to do it well; Part of the time kept heaven in view, An' part steered clear of hell.

Worm or beetle - drought or tempest - on a farmer's land may fall, Each is loaded full o' ruin, but a mortgage beats 'em all.

If there's a heaven upon the earth, a fellow knows it when He's been away from home a week, and then gets back again.

Cover them over with beautiful flowers, Deck them with garlands, those brothers of ours, Lying so silent by night and by day.

To appreciate heaven well, it's good for a person to have some fifteen minutes of hell.

But I have learned a thing or two; I know as sure as fate, when we lock up our lives for wealth, the gold key comes too late.