From the albums SEALS AND CROFTS (1969) and SEALS AND CROFTS I AND II (1974)

Milk the cows of gladness, before they all run dry
Search the rim of madness, before you lean and sigh
Become a parch of dryness, before you stoop to drink
Ascend the arch of whyness, before you try to think

Now lay me down, lay me down
Churn the butter of happiness. And be my guest
Milk the cows of gladness

Put them out, out to pasture, beneath the olive trees
That line the hillsides of a distant gracefulness
So they might feed and flourish in abundance
And you and I may live

Dye the shirt of wisdom, the colors of the west
Approach the skirt of isdom, with waves that mount and crest
Feed the hay of havoc, to the mouths that starve for such
And milk the cows of gladness, with a firm and gentle touch

Now lay me down, lay me down
Churn the butter of happiness. And be my guest
Milk the cows of gladness

Put them out, out to pasture, beneath the olive trees
That line the hillsides of a distant gracefulness
So they might feed and flourish in abundance
And you and I may live