When you feel blue,
the best thing to do
is tell yourself to forget it.
Laugh your cares away
Tomorrow’s another day
And Everything will be Copasetic.
Never look down
Chin up and don’t frown.
Don’t let life get pathetic.
Life’s a funny thing
It’s really great when you sing,
And Everything will be Copasetic.
Greet your fellow man
With a wide open hand,
Make your neighbor’s burden lighter.
A friendly hello everywhere that you go
Is bound to make your day much brighter.
When you feel sad
Pretend that you’re glad
Smile and you won’t regret it.
Show a happy face
To the whole human race,
And Everything will be Copasetic.
Charles Honi Coles
[Source: Constance Valis Hill, Tap Dancing America, A Cultural History (2010), David Hajdu, Lush Life, A Biography of Billy Strayhorn (1996)]