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]