1 Why have we lips, if not to sing
The praises of our heav’nly king?
Why have we hearts, if not to love,
Our Father and our friend above?

Refrain:
What are we for? What are we for?
What are we for?
What are we for, but to serve the Lord,
With every deed, and thought and word?

2 Why were our curious bodies made,
And every part in order laid?
Why, but that each of us might stand
A living wonder from His hand? [Refrain]

3 Why have we souls, if not to know
The God from whom our mercies flow?
Sure this can never be our lot,
Like senseless brutes, to know Him not! [Refrain]

4 Why have we life? If not to gain
Immortal life, ’tis worse than vain;
This is the end for which ’twas giv’n—
We live on earth, to live in Heav’n. [Refrain]

5 Why did the Savior leave the sky,
Hang on a cross, and bleed and die?
And why are kind persuasions sent
To call and win us to repent? [Refrain]

6 Surely it is—that robed in white
And made well-pleasing in His sight,
Our souls may join the happy throng,
And sing the everlasting song. [Refrain]