Colley Cibber: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

The Contented Blind Boy

Colley Cibber

“The Contented Blind Boy” as printed in A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853).

Colley Cibber: Collected Lyrics Text 1 1853 · historical text
Public domainHymnSacred song
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from A First Series of Hymns and Songs, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

Oh say, what is that thing call'd light,

Which I must ne'er enjoy?

What are the blessings of the sight?

Oh, tell a poor blind boy.

Verse 2

You talk of wondrous things you see.

You say the sun shines bright;

I feel him warm, but how can he

Or make it day or night?

Verse 3

My day or night myself I make,

Whene'er I sleep or play;

And could I always keep awake,

With me 'twere always day.

Verse 4

Then let not what I cannot have

My cheer of mind destroy;

While thus I sing I am a king,

Although a poor blind boy.

Credits

Written by Colley Cibber

Words by Colley Cibber. Historical text published in A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853), “The Contented Blind Boy”

Every text in this 1853 collection is by Henry Formby (1816-1884), who died more than 140 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide; the edition carries a Wikisource PD-old determination.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-26. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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