It’s time to go inside myself 
I’ve had my share of happiness 

The greatest lessons life can teach — 
To learn to live with loneliness 

To look ahead and not grow weak 
To feed on inner resources 

A seed must die to germinate 
A life must lose before it gains 

Oblivion will give new strength 
When passion’s gone the good remains 

I’ve watched a child become a man 
From womb to break I gave my all 

A drink from Lethe I don’t need 
Both pain and pleasure I’d recall 

I’ve thrown my share of pearls to swine 
I’ve loved a woman long and well 

The silly prattle of a fool 
I’ve known the joy of heav’n and hell 

I’ve seen the timber wolf lope by 
And watched the eagle wheel and soar 

I’ve listened to the whip-poor-will 
And heard the ocean swell and roar 

I’ll have my share of happiness 
As long as I can climb a hill 

But when it comes my time to die 
I’ll leave this life at my own will

      —Bill Matheny