Inspired by the timeless poem If—, this stirring folk song adaptation brings one of the most beloved poems in English literature to life through rich acoustic melodies, heartfelt vocals, and meaningful storytelling. Filled with wisdom about courage, humility, perseverance, self-discipline, and resilience, this powerful song encourages listeners of all ages to grow in strength and character through life’s challenges.
With its warm folk-inspired sound and memorable lyrical flow, this musical version of “If—” transforms classic poetry into an engaging and emotional listening experience for families, homeschool learning, morning time, quiet reflection, or character education. Children and adults alike can connect more deeply to Kipling’s unforgettable words through melody — making it easier to remember and carry these timeless truths into everyday life.
If by Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves (dishonest people) to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”;
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings—nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run—
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
From learning patience and integrity to facing triumph and failure with steady courage, this inspirational folk song reminds listeners what it means to live with wisdom, grit, and grace.
Perfect for:
Homeschool poetry and literature study
Character-building family music
Memorizing classic poetry through song
Morning time, quiet reflection, or family gatherings
Inspiring resilience, courage, and perseverance
Folk music lovers and acoustic storytelling fans
Parents seeking meaningful and uplifting children’s music
Whether played during homeschool lessons, family road trips, bedtime conversations, or moments of encouragement, this folk song version of “If—” offers timeless wisdom wrapped in beautiful music that families will return to again and again.
Inspired by the timeless poem If—, this stirring folk song adaptation brings one of the most beloved poems in English literature to life through rich acoustic melodies, heartfelt vocals, and meaningful storytelling. Filled with wisdom about courage, humility, perseverance, self-discipline, and resilience, this powerful song encourages listeners of all ages to grow in strength and character through life’s challenges.
With its warm folk-inspired sound and memorable lyrical flow, this musical version of “If—” transforms classic poetry into an engaging and emotional listening experience for families, homeschool learning, morning time, quiet reflection, or character education. Children and adults alike can connect more deeply to Kipling’s unforgettable words through melody — making it easier to remember and carry these timeless truths into everyday life.
If by Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves (dishonest people) to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”;
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings—nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run—
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
From learning patience and integrity to facing triumph and failure with steady courage, this inspirational folk song reminds listeners what it means to live with wisdom, grit, and grace.
Perfect for:
Homeschool poetry and literature study
Character-building family music
Memorizing classic poetry through song
Morning time, quiet reflection, or family gatherings
Inspiring resilience, courage, and perseverance
Folk music lovers and acoustic storytelling fans
Parents seeking meaningful and uplifting children’s music
Whether played during homeschool lessons, family road trips, bedtime conversations, or moments of encouragement, this folk song version of “If—” offers timeless wisdom wrapped in beautiful music that families will return to again and again.
