I've had the opportunity
To contrast and compare
     A lot of towns and cities
And the folks a-livin' there.

     Some people have the notion
That a city is the place
     Of a bountiful existence
For the entire human race.

     But as one who's dwelt among 'em
I can state, with due restraint,
     That there's no place like a city
Where the joys of livin' ain't.

     Why you hardly know your neighbors,
And your friends you love so true
     Might as well live in Alaska
For what good they're doin' you.

     Yes, a big town was invented
Just to make friends grow apart--
     Cause ulcerated stomachs
And to chill the human heart.

     Sure, it's fine to have ambition
And to strive to get ahead,
     But most likely you will wind up
With hard arteries instead.

     Good folks are found in every clime,
But out where my folks live
     We'd never trade a cow hand
For a big executive.

     And experience has taught us
That true livin' is an art
     That escapes most city people
And they really ain't so smart.

     So I've weighed the facts and figgers
For their quality and worth
     And decided that the country
Is the finest place on Earth.


This poem is in the public domain.