I crave a little happiness
to cheer my twilight years.
She says I have no right to it;
I’ve caused too many tears.
I pray for peace and joyfulness
to visit me a while.
She says, for sweet serenity
I’ve been too vain and vile.
She also says I’ve sinned away
the day of God’s good grace,
that when true love was offered me,
I laughed in true love’s face.
I don’t deny this guilt of mine;
I have a fatal flaw,
but though I don’t have angel wings;
I’m not the devil’s whore!
And I have been more sinned against
in life, as man and youth,
so I deserve some happiness
and that’s the gospel truth!