You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars 
And you have a right to be here, and wether or not it is clear to you 
No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should, therefore be at peace with god 
Whatever you conceive him to be, whatever your labors and aspirations 
In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul 

I try to be
I aspire to be 
Oh, I wish to be happy 
I try to be
I aspire to be 
Oh I wish to be happy 

Oh oh oh desiderata
Oh oh oh desiderata

As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons 
Speak your [bad word] quietly and clearly, and listen to the dull of the ignorant 
They too have their stories 
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the sprit 
If [bad word] yourself with others, you may [bad word] vain or bitter 
For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself 
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans 
Keep interested in your career, however humble 
It is a real possession in the forever changing fortunes of time 

I try to be
I strive to be 
Oh, I wish to be happy 
I try to be
I strive to be 
Oh, I wish to be happy 

Oh oh oh desiderata
Oh oh oh desiderata

Be yourself especially do not fane affection 
Nether be cynical about love 
Take kindly the council of the years 
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth 
Nurture strength of sprit to shield you in sudden misfortune 
But do not distress yourself with imaginings 
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness 
Beyond wholesome discipline be gentle to yourself 
With wanted sham [bad word] and broken dreams 

I try to be
I aspire to be 
Oh, I wish to be happy

I try to be
I strive to be 
Oh, I wish to be happy 
I try to be
I strive to be 
Oh, I wish to be happy 

Oh oh oh desiderata
Oh oh oh desiderata

Oh oh oh desiderata
Oh oh oh desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste 
And remember what peace there maybe in silence