When life reaches out and takes you

On an unpleasent ride

And your bridge of dreams comes

Tumblin' down

Don't let your bed of sorrow

Ever conquer your pride

Remember there's always a way out



Just take up a course in happiness

Take up a course to clear out your mind

You will show yourself how to smile

Take up a course in happiness

Take up a free instruction in life

You will learn how to smile



And when your optimism

Has a set back or two

And you feel all your tryin's in vain

(Your heart's in the rain)

Don't give up the hope that's due you

Just to study your doubt

Remember there's always a way out



Just take up a course in happiness

Take up a course to clear out your mind

You will show yourself how to smile

Take up a course in happiness

Take up a free instruction in life

You will learn how to smile



(Repeat three times)