Life is a game that all must play;
Though you win or lose, though you gain or pay,
Whatever the cards you hold, I say,
Throw back your head and laugh.
Keep Youth's fire at your heart aglow,
A clasp for a friend and a fist for a foe,
And then let come or joy or woe,
Throw back your head and laugh.
Laugh, though the world upon you frown,
Laugh, though the deeps your soul shall drown,
Many a better man goes down —
Throw back your head and laugh.
And when Death's hand on your shoulder lies
And the world grows dim to your failing eyes,
Let him not say: “A coward dies.”
Throw back your head and laugh.