The Drink I'll Use

Verse 1

The drink I'll use will not be wine, However sparkling it may be; For, in it lurks the adder's sting, Although its fangs I may not see.

Chorus

From alcoholic poison free, My drink shall pure cold water be; The crystal stream that floweth by, Shall quench my thirst when I am dry.

Verse 2

The drink I'll use will not be beer, For even that may bring the woe, The bitter sorrows, wound and tear, And lay its tens of thousands low.

Verse 3

The drink I'll use will not be ale, However harmless it may seem; That, too, may cause the sad, sad wail, And sink beyond hope's cheering gleam.

Verse 4

The drink I'll use will not be gin, Nor rum, nor brandy, nor old rye; For if I do, how dread the thought, The drunkard's death I too may die.