Happy, happy childhood,
Happy, happy days,
How I love the children
And their merry ways;
How I love to watch them
Free from every care,
Thinking all that happens
Trifles light as air.
Eyes undimmed with sorrow,
Brows all smooth and clear,
Lips just made for laughing,
Dimples everywhere.
Young days should be cloudless,
Childhood, one sweet song,
Little ones as happy
As the days are long.
Yes—and teach the children
Of the love of One,
Who alone can shield them
Till their race be run.
Tell how fully Jesus
Meets our every need,
And you’ll place before them
Happiness indeed.