1 The drink I'll use will not be wine,
However sparkling it may be;
For, in it lurks the adder's sting,
Although its fangs I may not see.
Refrain:
From alcoholic poison free,
My drink shall pure cold water be;
The crystal stream that floweth by,
Shall quench my thirst when I am dry.
2 The drink I'll use will not be beer,
For even that may bring the woe,
The bitter sorrows, wound and tear,
And lay its tens of thousands low. [Refrain]
3 The drink I'll use will not be ale,
However harmless it may seem;
That, too, may cause the sad, sad wail,
And sink beyond hope's cheering gleam. [Refrain]
4 The drink I'll use will not be gin,
Nor rum, nor brandy, nor old rye;
For if I do, how dread the thought,
The drunkard's death I too may die. [Refrain]
Source: The Christian Sunday School Hymnal: a compilation of choice hymns and tunes for Sunday schools #143