Divine and Moral Songs ‎#HXXI

HXXI. Why should I join with those in play

Why should I join with those in play
In whom I’ve no delight;
Who curse and swear, but never play;
Who call ill names, and fight?

I hate to hear a wanton song:
Their words offend my ears:
I should not dare defile my tongue
With language such as theirs.

68
Away from fools I’ll turn my eyes,
Nor with the scoffers go:
I would be walking with the wise,
That wiser I may grow.

From one rude boy, that’s used to mock,
They learn the wicked jest:
One sickly sheep infects the flock,
And poisons all the rest.

My God, I hate to walk or dwell
With sinful children here:
Then let me not be sent to hell,
Where none but sinners are.

Text Information

• First Line: Why should I join with those in play
• Title: Why should I join with those in play
• Author: Isaac Watts (1715)
• Meter: 8,6,8,6
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1866

Tune Information

(No tune information)