As you paddle your boat along

From Harry Linn's Fire-Side Song Book (1880)

The world we live in is just like the sea, travellers over its waters are we; 
Let us be happy where ever we be, if the wind blows steady and strong:
It's no use to grumble, to growl, or complain, we can't stop the wind and we can't stop the rain 
After the start we have sunshine again; so paddle your boat along. 

Always try to be happy and gay, let this world jog along as it may; 
Always do right and never do wrong, as you paddle your boat along. 

We meet some people who always seem glad, others who always looked solemn and sad; 
They want all the good, if they share in the bad they think it decidedly wrong. 
There's good things enough in this world for us all, but we must be content with a share of the small; 
Though little our lot, some have nothing at all; so paddle your boat along. 

Don't be downhearted though breakers may roar, or if your boat be cast on the shore; 
You are bound to get into smooth water once more, if you pull both steady and strong. 
Don't go to slowly nor yet go too fast, always make way for a friend to get past, 
And the harbour in safety you'll reach it at last, so paddle your boat along.