This song is based on Elle Wheeler Wilcox’s poem called “Worth While”. I find that a lot of her poems are very much singable. They make great verses and tell a story. The added chorus just makes this song come alive.
My personal opinion about this poem is living life is worth while. Although this song does not have any reference to Jesus or religion what-so-ever, it still has religious undertones. I believe we are here on Earth for a reason and that reason is worth our while.
It is easy enough to be pleasant
When life flows by like a song,
But the man worth while is the one who will smile
When everything goes dead wrong.
For the test of the heart is trouble,
And it always comes with the years,
And the smile that is worth the praises of earth
Is the smile that shines through tears.
Let the storms come—I'll go that extra mile,
There’s a light ahead that makes it all worth while.
Let the fire rage—with all of its trials,
Time will prove that it was all worth while.
It is easy enough to be prudent
When nothing tempts you to stray,
When without or within no voice of sin
Is luring your soul away;
But it's only a negative virtue
Until it is tried by fire,
And the life that is worth the honor on earth
Is the one that resists desire.
Let the storms come—I'll go that extra mile,
There’s a light ahead that makes it all worth while.
Let the fire rage—with all of its trials,
Time will prove that it was all worth while.
By the cynic, the sad, the fallen,
Who had no strength for the strife,
The world's highway is cumbered to-day -
They make up the sum of life;
But the virtue that conquers passion,
And the sorrow that hides in a smile -
It is these that are worth the homage on earth,
For we find them but once in a while.
Let the storms come—I'll go that extra mile,
There’s a light ahead that makes it all worth while.
Let the fire rage—with all of its trials,
Time will prove that it was all worth while.
So when shadows fall, and you're walking alone,
Hold on-your courage will carve out a throne.
For hearts what endure with a tear and a smile...
Will find in the end, It was all worth while.
Yes, it will all be worth while.
Married in Arkansas 