It knows it all, it knows it all, The world of groans and laughter,It sneers of pride before a fall, But the bitter pride comes after:So leave me and I’ll seek you not, So seek me and you’ll find me—But till I know your hand-grip’s true I’ll stand with hands behind me.
It knows it all, it knows it all, The world of lies and sorrow—It prates of pride before a fall, And of the humble morrow;But shame and blame are but a name, Oh, heart that’s hurt past curing!We’ll drink to-night the sinner’s pride, The pride that’s most enduring.
They know it all, they know it all, The curs that pass the sentence.They preach of pride before a fall And bitter black repentance:So leave me when my star is set, I’ll glory that you leave me,While one has pride to love me yet There’s nought on earth shall grieve me.