I gave my friend a helping hand
  But I find it hard to understand
  Why this and more
  Never seems to be enough
  For as long as I live
  I'm prepared to give
  Just as much of myself
  Or of what I have
  For I know what it's like
  When the going's really rough
  
  But I can see there are decisions
  I will have to make
  In a world that seems to live on
  Take and take and take
  
  And what will happen
  Should the river of my soul run dry ?
  Will I be needed then?
  Will someone sing me a lullaby ?
  
  My friend gave me a helping hand
  And I wondered then
  If I could be a man
  Strong enough to
  Forgive with a smile
  Now as I've travelled far-off lands
  I see it clearer
  
  And it makes me glad
  I guess I'm happy 'cause
  I'll go on giving for a while
  And I hope it's for all my life