It's easy to fight [when everything's right],
And you're mad [with the thrill and the glory];
It's easy to cheer [when victory's near],
And wallow [in fields (that are gory)].
It's a different song [when everything's wrong],
[When you're feeling infernally mortal];
 [When it's ten (against one), and hope there is none],
Buck up, little soldier, and chortle:

Carry on! Carry on!
There isn't much punch [in your blow].
You're glaring and staring and hitting [out blind];
You're muddy and bloody, but never you mind.
Carry on! Carry on!
You haven't the ghost (of a show).
It's looking {like death}, but [while you've a breath],
Carry on, my son! Carry on!

And so [in the strife (of the battle (of life))]
It's easy to fight [When you're winning];
It's easy (to slave, and starve and be brave),
[When the dawn (of success) is beginning].
But the man (who can meet despair and defeat
[With a cheer]), there's the man (of God's choosing);
The man (who can fight [to Heaven's own height])
Is the man (who can fight [When he's losing]).

Carry on! Carry on!
Things never were looming so black.
But show [that you haven't a cowardly streak],
And [though you're unlucky] you never are weak.
Carry on! Carry on!
Brace up [for another attack].
It's looking {like hell}, but--you never can tell:
Carry on, old man! Carry on!

There are some (who drift [out in the deserts (of doubt)]),
And some (who [in brutishness] wallow);
There are others], I know, [(who [in piety] go
[Because of a Heaven to follow]).
But {to labour [with zest], and to give [of your best],
[For the sweetness and joy (of the giving)]};
{To help folks along [with a hand and a song]};
Why, there's the real sunshine (of living).