Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 13 November 1903

Football Lyrics

No. 572.—BETTER BE LUCKY THAN RICH

When I was a youngster, in years long gone by,
If ever my poverty moved me to cry,
Folks used to remark I was silly, for I
Had better be lucky than rich.

I have never grown wealthy, and as for my luck
It has never, to my mind, rewarded my pluck;
Yet to that philosophy still I have stuck—
One had better be lucky than rich.

Notes: Perhaps on Saturday enough to reflect,
Having not got the hiding they ought to expect,
That it’s good to belong to the genial client.
Who are better born lucky than rich?

They scored, and as every one knows with a cheer,
An excuse that was luckier, no one can fear;
A proof that in traditional lore—
One had better be lucky than rich!

Like the Derby lads, who were doubtless upset
By their failure oft-times to get into the net,
My motto apply to the match—don’t forget,
You had better be lucky than rich.

Let them look at the back of the fellows who led,
And the goal by which they at the interval sped,
And then they’ll appreciate what I have said—
You had better be lucky than rich.

G. R. TENNYSON-SIMS.