Oh! why am I so happy, 
Why these feelings of delight? 
And why does gladness cheer me? 
Why every thing so bright? 

'Tis my father's voice and brother's smile, 
My sister's fond caress, 
My mother's gentle pleading prayer, 
Her little boy to bless. 

Why, oh why am I so happy, 
Why these feeling of delight? 
Oh, why does gladness beam around? 
Why everything so bright? 

I see angels smiling 
When at my father's side, 
And glowing scenes of pleasure 
Before my vision glide.

O, how pleasant too the quiet eve 
I feel so full of joy 
Whene'er he breathes the gentle prayer 
To guide his little boy. 

Why, oh why am I so happy, 
Why these feeling of delight? 
Oh, why does gladness beam around? 
Why everything so bright? 

Sometimes, when bending o'er me, 
I've heard my mother sigh, 
And then I've seen the tear-drop 
Stand trembling in her eye 

While she said she dreamed of future days 
Of bliss without alloy, 
And prayed that heaven would shower down 
Rich blessings on her boy. 

Why, oh why am I so happy, 
Why these feeling of delight? 
Oh, why does gladness beam around? 
Why everything so bright?