From the 1904 show “Little Johnny Jones”. Words and music by George M. Cohan.
Sheet Music
Accompaniment
Lyrics
Chorus
Life’s a very funny proposition after all
Imagination, jealousy, hypocrisy and gall
Three meals a day, a whole lot to say
When you haven’t got the coin
You’re always in the way
Ev’rybody’s fighting as we wend our way along
Ev’ry fellow claims the other fellow’s in the wrong
Hurried and worried until we’re buried
And there’s no curtain call
Life’s a very funny proposition after all
Chorus
Life’s a very funny proposition you can bet
And no one’s ever solved the problem properly as yet
Young for a day, then old and gray
Like the rose that buds and blooms
And fades and falls away
Losing health to gain our wealth
As thro’ this dream we tour
Ev’rything’s a guess and nothing’s absolutely sure
Battles exciting and fates we’re fighting
Until the curtain’s fall
Life’s a very funny proposition after all