I would rather have one little rose From the garden of a friend,
Than to have the choicest flowers
When my stay on earth must end.
I would rather have one pleasant word
In Kindness said to me,
Than flattery when the heart is still
And life has ceased to be.
I would rather have a loving smile
From friends I know are true,
Than tears shed round my casket
When this world I've bid adieu.
Bring me all your flowers today
Whether pink, or white, or red;
I'd rather have one blossom now
Than a truckload when I'm dead
