From the operetta “Bitter Sweet”, 1929
Words and music by Noel Coward
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Life is a very rough and tumble
For a humble diseuse
One can betray one’s troubles never
Whatever occurs
Night after night have to look bright
Whether you’re well or ill
People must laugh their fill
You mustn’t sleep till dawn comes creeping
Though I never really grumble
Life’s a jumble indeed
And in my efforts to succeed
I’ve had to formulate a creed
Refrain:
I believe in doing what I can
In crying when I must
In laughing when I choose
Heigh-o, if love were all
I should be lonely
I believe the more you love a man
The more you give your trust
The more you’re bound to lose
Although when shadows fall
I think if only
Somebody splendid really needed me
Someone affectionate and dear
Cares would be ended if I knew that he
Wanted to have me near
But I believe that since my life began
The most I’ve had is just a talent to amuse
Heigh-o, if love were all
- Though life buffets me obscenely
It serenely goes on
Although I question its conclusion
Illusion is gone
Frequently I put a bit by
Safe for a rainy day
Nobody here can say
To what, indeed the years are leading
Fate may often treat me meanly
But I keenly pursue
A little mirage in the blue
Determination helps me through