Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Be not too hard (1974)

Written by Mick Rogers, based on a poem by Christopher Logue, from the album "The Good Earth" (1974).

Be not too hard for life is short
and nothing is given to man.
Be not too hard if he's sold or bought
for he must do the best he can.
Be not too hard when he blindly dies
fighting for things he does not own.
Be not too hard when he tells lies
or if his heart is sometimes stone.
Be not too hard for soon he'll die
often no wiser than he began.

Mick Rogers, guitars, lead & backing vocals
Manfred Mann, keyboards & backing vocals
Chris Slade, drums
Colin Pattenden, bass guitar

The original poem from which Mick Rogers drew inspiration was written by English poet Christopher Logue (who was credited as co-author on the album sleeve). Here it is:

Be not too hard
For life is short
and nothing
is given
to man.
Be not to hard
When he is sold and bought
And must manage as best he can.
Be not to hard
For soon he dies
Often no wiser than he began.
Be not too hard
For life
Is short
And nothing is given
to man.