There is laughter in the barnyard,
There is cackling o'er the way,

When the rooster sounds his trumpet
And the hens begin to lay.

There are holes around the straw stack ;

There are others in the hay ;
There is watching round the corner

When the hens begin to lay.

There are smiles within the farm-house
When the lambs are at their play ;

When the baby calves are dancing,
And the hens begin to lay.

There are omelettes superior
On the table every day ;

And the hired man is happy
When the hens begin to lay.

Now 's the feathered harvest time ;

Then list to what I say :
Be sure and leave a nest egg,

When the hens begin to lay.