If I Were A Voice by Charles Mackay

If I were a Voice – a persuasive Voice –
That could travel the wide world through
I would fly on the beams of the morning light
And speak to men with a gentle might
And tell them to be true.
I’d fly; I’d fly o’er land and sea,
Wherever a human heart might be,
Telling a tale, or singing a song
In praise of the Right – in blame of the Wrong.

If I were a Voice – a consoling Voice –
I’d fly on the wings of the air;
The home of Sorrow and Guilt I’d seek,
And calm and truthful words I’d speak,
To save them from Despair.
I’d fly; I’d fly o’er the crowded town,
And drop like the happy sunlight, down
Into the hearts of suffering men,
And teach them to rejoice again.

If I were a Voice – a controlling Voice –
I’d travel with the wind;
And whenever I saw the nations torn
By warfare, jealousy or scorn,
Or hatred of their kind,
I’d fly; I’d fly on the thunder crash,
And into their blinded bosoms flash;
And all their evil thoughts subdued,
I’d teach them a Christian Brotherhood.

If I were a Voice – an immortal Voice –
I’d speak in the people’s ear;
And whenever they shouted “Liberty”
Without deserving to be free,
I’d make their errors clear.
I’d fly; I’d fly on the wings of day,
Rebuking wrong on my world wide way,
And making all the Earth rejoice –
If I were a Voice – an immortal Voice.

If I were a Voice – a persuading Voice –
I’d seek the kings of Earth;
I’d find them alone on their beds at night,
And whisper words that should guide them right,
Lessons of priceless worth.
I’d fly more swift than the swiftest bird,
And tell them things they never heard –
Truths which the ages for aye repeat,
Unknown to the statesman at their feet.