Workin' ahead, jest a-ploddin' along,
Payin' no heed to the buffet and blow;
Heart in my labor, and soul in my song,
Doin' the best thet I can as I go.

Never quite satisfied, allers serene.
Tryin' to make each to-day a success.
Hopin' to win for my laurel the green
Given by some one I've helped in his stress.

Hopin' to win not illustrious fame
Echoin' down to the uttermost year,
But in the heart of my neighbor a name
Cherished, beloved, because of its cheer.

Workin' ahead, jest a-ploddin' along.
Careless o' critics, abidin' the test.
Fearin' perhaps, but a-hopin' my song
Allers 'll show me a-doin' my best!