If I were free to speak my mind I'd tell a tale to all mankind Of how the flowers do bloom and fade Of how we've fought and how we've paid This weary world has had its fill Of words of war on every hill The time has come for peaceful days And peaceful men of peaceful ways If I were free to speak my mind I'd tell a tale to all mankind Of how the flowers do bloom and fade Of how we've fought and how we've paid When all mankind has ceased to fight I'll raise my head in thanks each night For this rich Earth and all it means For golden days and peaceful dreams If I were free to speak my mind (if I were free) I'd tell a tale to all mankind (I'd tell a tale to all mankind) Of how the flowers do bloom and fade (how they bloom, and how they fade) Of how we've fought and how we've paid