If I cannot be so happy without you, my dear
If I cannot hold you close, evr'y second that you're here
You must know I can't go on, ev'ry time I sing my song
If I cannot have your love, I'll sing the blues

Every time I'm feeling low and far away
All the time I think of you every second of the day
And you know you hurt my pride but I'd rather be by your side
If I cannot have your love, I'll sing the blues

Sing the blues all my life, I got trouble, I got strife
How can a man expect to be so free
To travel this so lonely road and to carry it's heavy load
Is [bad word] far too much, too much for me

If I cannot be so happy, then I'm gonna be on my way
The many nights I needed your love, it never worked out that way
For I must have my babe, for I'm feeling extremely sad
If I cannot have your love, I'm gonna play the blues

Sing the blues all my life, so much trouble, so much strife
How can a man expect to be so free
To travel this so lonely road and to carry its heavy load
I rather have your love, than sing the blues

Yes, I rather have your love than sing the blues
Yes, I rather have your love, baby, than sing the blues