You are a child of the universe
No less than the trees and the stars
And you have a right to be here
And whether or not it is clear to you
No doubt, the universe is unfolding as it should

Therefore be at peace with God
Whatever you conceive Him to be
And whatever your labors and aspirations
In the noisy confusion of life
Keep peace with your soul

I try to be, I strive to be
Oh, I wish to be happy
I try to be, I strive to be
Oh, I wish to be happy

Oh, oh, oh, this is direction
Oh, oh, oh, this is direction

As far as possible without surrender
Be on good terms with all persons
Speak your truth quietly and clearly
And listen to the dull of the ignorant
They too have their stories

Avoid loud and aggressive persons
They are vexatious to the spirit
If you compare yourself with others
You may become vain or bitter
For always there will be greater
And lesser persons than yourself

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans
Keep interested in your career, however humble
It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time

I try to be, I strive to be
Oh, I wish to be happy
I try to be, I strive to be
Oh, I wish to be happy

Oh, oh, oh, this is direction
Oh, oh, oh, this is direction

Be yourself, especially do not feign affection
Neither be cynical about love
Take kindly the council of the years
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune

But do not distress yourself with imaginings
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness
Beyond the wholesome discipline, be gentle to yourself
With all the sham, drudgery and broken dreams
It is still a beautiful world

I try to be, I strive to be
Oh, I wish to be happy
I try to be, I strive to be
Oh, I wish to be happy
I try to be, I strive to be
Oh, I wish to be happy

Oh, oh, oh, this is direction
Oh, oh, oh, this is direction
Oh, oh, oh, this is direction

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste
And remember what peace there maybe in silence