From the musical “Oh Boy”, 1917
Words by P. G. Wodehouse
Music by Jerome Kern
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Say have you heard of the Glad Game they play?
Try it yourself when you go home today
Do not mind if Fate’s unkind
But simply grin and don’t give in
If troubles come, as they’re certain to do
Why should you care if they don’t come to you?
Fate’s blow you may defy
If they soak some other guy
Refrain
Oh be joyful, cheerful and serene
If poor father falls and busts his bean
Don’t be down cast, don’t be sad
Just be thankful you’re not dad
As to fetch the Doc, you hurry
Keep on shouting “I should worry”
If you try, you’ll find that you can greet
Other people’s troubles with a smile
Cheer up! that’s the only way
Make each day Thanksgiving Day
Be a little sunbeam all the while
- Though it’s a tough little world, more or less
Though all around, you see folks in distress
Don’t feel sad, it’s not so bad
Each cloud you’ll find, is silver lined
If you are brave, and refuse to despair
No matter how much your friends have to bear
You’ll find without a doubt
Plenty to be glad about
Refrain
If a mule kicks grandpa in the face
Gladness is by no means out of place
Just reflect it’s painful, but
Grandpa was a homely mutt
As to hospital you move him
Say, No doubt this will improve him
Make him take a broad and cheerful view
Sit beside his sick bed with a smile
Point out just to keep him cool
How it must have pleased the mule
Be a little sunbeam all the while
Sung here by Vancha March: