A SONG FOR THE TIMES

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11836, 18 January 1933, Page 4

A SONG FOR THE TIMES

There are plenty of pessimists loose in the land. And the sound of their voice is a dole ful cry, A dismal, down-hearted, depressing band. Who don't do a thing but sit down and sigh. They stalk round Urn streets, a woebegone band. AA’itli gloom in their hearts and a tear in their eye. And the song that they sing should be silenced and banned. Bv those who are game and who 11 never say die. But I will sing you a cheerful song, A song to stir your hearts. Not a tearful song, nor a fearful song, Nor a song of tits and starts. But let me sing you a rightful song, A song for men who care. No spiteful song but a lightful song. For those who do and dare. There arc those who say that the country is broke, Tln|t the people are doomed to disaster and debt. If listen you’ll hear them clamour and croak. And they never imagine we’re not beaten yet. Our necks may bo bowed and galled by the yoke. Our brows may be grimy and damp with sweat, But still we have hearts for a jest or a joke, AYe can, meet these troubles as others were met.

So let me give you 'a slashing song, A soug to cheer your hearts, A dashing soug and a clashing

song, To help you play your parts. For a wailful song or a baleful song, Is a song we all despise. Here's a scornful song for the mournful song. That brings teal's to your eyes.

Our fathers came when the land was young, AVith their strong right hands and tlieir gallant hearts, AYe are proud of the men from whom we arc sprung. Let us act like men and play our

parts. Into the struggle those pioneers flung. AVith all the strength that courage

imparts, Their manhood and youth, and gal-

lantly clung To wliat they had won far from cities and marts.

So let us sing a dashing song, To those gallant-hearted men; A crashing song, glodm-smasliing

song, - Till tlie good times come again. No glooming song or dooming song, Of a feeble-liearted few. V ‘ But a praising song, heart-raising t song, A song that's good and truo. —"Nemo.”