There are people who would rather live in splendor
And brag about their silver and their gold,
And people who would trade God's promise
For its glory to hold;
There are people who would rather live in mansions,
There are people who would rather live abroad,
But I'd rather have a little log cabin
By the side of the road.

Refrain:
I'd rather live by the side of the road
And try to point souls to the blest abode
Than to be a king or a millionaire
And live in mansions in bright array.
I'd rather do a neighborly deed
For a traveler here or a friend in need,
I'd rather live by the side of the road
And help some pilgrim along life's way.

Ev'ry day I want to be a friendly neighbor
And try to help somebody on the way;
I want my life to tell for Jesus
Ev'ry hour of the day;
Take away my ev'ry thought of fame and fortune,
Take away my ev'ry thought of rich abode
And leave me just a little log cabin
By the side of the road.
Refrain:

I would rather have a cabin by the roadside
Where the pilgrimage of man is passing by
Help to point some soul to Jesus
And that city on high;
Ev'ry day I want to help to scatter roses,
Ev'ry night I want my lamp to shine abroad
With a welcome from my little bay window
By the side of the road.
Refrain: