Choice Gospel Hymns ‎#23

23. The Starting Point

1 If you want to be happy, begin where you are,
Don't wait for some rapture that's future and far;
Begin to be joyous, begin to be glad,
And soon you'll forget that you ever were sad.

Chorus:
Be happy, (rejoice and) be happy!
Your sunshine may cheer a sad heart;
Be happy, (rejoice and) be happy,
O sing, and the clouds will depart.

2 If you want to be happy, begin where you are,
Your windows to sunlight and sweetness unbar;
If dark seems the day, light a candle of cheer,
Till its steady flame brightens each heart that's near. [Chorus]

3 If you want to be happy, begin where you are,
Tune up daily discords, till out of their jar
New harmony rises, rejoicing and sweet,
And onward, in music, go ever your feet. [Chorus]

4 If you want to be happy, begin where you are,
God sets in each sky heaven's joy-bringing star,
Live bravely beneath it, thru cloud and toward light,
And under its radiance your path shall be bright. [Chorus]

Text Information

• First Line: If you want to be happy, begin where you are
• Title: The Starting Point
• Author: Anon.
• Publication Date: 1923
• Copyright: Copyright, 1923, by Gospel Advocate Co., in "Choice Gospel Hymns"
• Notes: Now Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: [If you want to be happy, begin where you are]
• Composer: Chas. H. Gabriel
• Key: D Major
• Copyright: Copyright, 1923, by Gospel Advocate Co., in "Choice Gospel Hymns"
• Notes: Public Domain.