Have you ever gone out walking
On a morning in the spring,
When the birds are gay and happy
And the dew's on everything?

Oh, the earth's so fresh and fragrant,
Small leaves are popping out,
The forsythia's in full blossom,
And new life seems all about.

Can't you feel that God is near you?
From the fullness of his hand
He has given all this freshness
To the air and plants and land.

Then your step gets so much lighter,
As you fill your lungs with air.
You hold your head up higher,
And joy seems everywhere.

You forget there's war and taxes,
Or the season is too wet.
You resolve to do things better,
And to cease to stew and fret.

How much finer if all mankind
Would from gloom and woe depart,
And be cheerful, glad and peaceful,
Keeping spring-time in their heart.