1  What profit all the labor here?

    There's nothing new for you and me!

    Remember not the former things,

       They're all vanity!

 2  Man's life is full of grief and pain:

    Much wisdom bringeth misery!

    Increasing knowledge addeth woe!

       It's all vanity!

 3  What good our pleasure and our wealth?

    Though joys we have and family,

    We'll have our worries just the same!

       It's all vanity!

 4  Days of toil to gain and restless nights:

    Though gained without calamity,

    When death comes it is gone for aye!

       It's all vanity!

 5  Remember God in days of youth!

    Fear Him, and such will be your gain!

    With Him you will be satisfied,

       For He is not vain!