Convivial Man, The

They tell me there's nothing like pleasure, 
To keep honest fellows alive, 
So I take lots of that at my leisure, 
And manage upon it to thrive. 
You will find when the wine is before us. 
And harmony freely began, 
I'm an excellent hand at a chorus, 
And quite a convivial man. 

Then, ha' ha! ha I I merrily sing, 
Gentlemen, follow my plan; 
Whatever may befall. I'm happy withal, 
For I'm a convivial man. 

It's true that I am not over wealthy, 
And yet I have riches most rare; 
Being happy, contented and healthy, 
And not overweighted with care. 
My heart is as light as a feather, 
I find it an excellent plan, 
To chirrup in all sorts of weather, 
I'm such a convivial man. 

I'm asked out to every dinner, 
Invited to parties and balls; 
There's no fear of my getting thinner 
Whilst favored with these kind of calls. 
At a pic-nic, a wedding, or christening, 
They will have me there, if they can; 
And no one receives such a greeting, 
I'm such a convivial man.

I cheer up the aged, God bless 'em! 
I frolic and play with the young; 
They smile as I kindly address 'em, 
And laugh at my joke or my song. 
My days are unclouded and sunny, 
I'm sought by each party and clan; 
Oh, believe me, it's better than money To be a convivial man.

Then long as I live I'll be merry, 
Enjoying the time as it flies; 
Drinking tea if I cannot get sherry, 
And always be merry and wise. 
I will warble and sing like a linnet, 
And since life is only a span, 
Make the most of the world whilst I'm in it, 
And be a convivial man.