[Verse 1] I knew a lad with laughing eyes, Who knew each star by name. He slapped a map upon the bar And said, "Come seek me fame!" I grabbed my pack, I stole some bread, And off we went at dawn, Through forest dark and river cold And fields of summer corn. [Chorus] Hey-ho! Strike the floor! Beat your boots and call for more! Over hill and over stream, We chased a half-forgotten dream! Hey-ho! Lift your voice! Every road's a merry choice! If there's gold at journey's end, I'd rather hunt beside my friend! (Stomp-stomp, clap! Stomp-stomp, clap!) [Verse 2] We crossed the hills of Cinder Pass, We slept beneath the pines. He swore he'd buy a castle keep, I said I'd settle fine For one more road and one more fire, One more song to know, One more night to hear him laugh Wherever we might go. [Chorus] Hey-ho! Strike the floor! Beat your boots and call for more! Over hill and over stream, We chased a half-forgotten dream! Hey-ho! Lift your voice! Every road's a merry choice! If there's gold at journey's end, I'd rather hunt beside my friend! (Stomp-stomp, clap! Stomp-stomp, clap!) [Bridge] At last we found old Golden Hollow, The treasure hid below. A chest of jewels and gleaming crowns All lit by lantern glow. He looked at me and laughed aloud, And cried, "We've won at last!" I smiled and filled his hands with gold And let the moment pass. [Final Verse] He built his house beside the sea, And filled it full of light. I took the road we'd walked before And vanished with the night. For treasure's strange. Some seek the gold, Some seek the winding way, And some discover much too late The thing they'd hoped would stay. [Final Chorus] Hey-ho! Strike the floor! Beat your boots and call for more! Over hill and over stream, We chased a bright and foolish dream! Hey-ho! Raise your cup! Fill it high and drink it up! For I have done with waiting then... I'd rather walk than wait, my friend! (Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!) I'd rather walk than wait, my friend... (Softly) Though I'd have crossed the world again.
