And all these stupid silly songs
Keep trying to catch your ear
I'm trying desperately
It's just so hard to persevere
And even if you listened
I never had much to say
Cause it's the same old song
I'm written for the day

Shelter me oh genius words
Just give me strength
To pen these things
And give me peace to will her wings
And oh oh carry on all you minstrels of the world
We will catch our lady's (or ladies') ear
We will win for us the girl

All these minstrels through the ages
That is really all we are
Simply singing for the girl
That makes us try so very hard
To craft the perfect limerick
To wield unending woe
To write such silly songs
And the difference never known.

Shelter me oh genius words
Just give me strength
To pen these things
And give me peace to will her wings
And oh oh carry on all you minstrels of the world
We will catch our lady's (or Ladies') ear
We will win for us the girl

And I'll hold on to the dream
Of this beggar's plea and optimistic fantasy
Just hold the hand and drop the knee
You're facing love
You're embracing melody

Shelter me oh genius words
Just give me strength
To pen these things
And give me peace to will her wings
And oh oh carry on all you minstrels of the world
We will catch our lady's (or Ladies') ear
We will win for us the girl

And carry on oh carry on all you minstrels of the world
We will catch our lady's (or Ladies') ear
We will win for us the girl