What is life? ’tis but a vapor,

Soon it vanishes away:

Life is but a dying taper—

O, my soul, why wish to stay!

Why not spread thy wings and fly

Straight to yonder world of joy!

2 See that glory, how resplendent!

Brighter far than fancy paints;

There, in majesty transcendent,

Jesus reigns the King of saints,

Why not spread thy wings and fly

Straight to yonder world of joy!

3 Joyful crowds his throne surrounding,

Sing with rapture of his love;

Through the heavens his praise resounding,

Filling all the courts above.

Why not spread thy wings and fly

Straight to yonder world of joy!

4 Go, and share his people’s glory,

’Midst the ransomed crowd appear;

Thine a joyful, wondrous story,

One that angels love to hear.

Why not spread thy wings and fly

Straight to yonder world of joy!