I know what's going on here, ain't no grave mystery
Y'all have lost faith in yourselves, it's clear as it can be
You can whine all you want to, drown in your misery
Or you can listen to me, listen to me

Laugh and be happy, don't you ever wear a frown
Don't let the bastards grind you down
Laugh and be happy, it's a simple thing to do
Believe in your dream and your dream will come true for you

There'll be a red sun shining in the sky so blue
Blackbirds singing in the tree
There'll be a real silver lining up there for me and you
Listen to me, listen to me

Now the country that we're living in
You mean the good ol' USA? That's right
It's never been about keeping you out
It's about inviting you in and letting you play

So laugh and be happy, smile right in their face
'Cause pretty soon you're gonna take their place

Come and whack whack, whackin' like old man trouble
Whacking on their front door
Wanna send you packin' on the double
But I ain't going away no more

Laugh and be happy, don't you ever wear a frown
Get right back on your feet whenever they knock you down
Laugh and be happy, believe me when I say
Everything is going to go your way, you'll be on top of the world