I know this as "Pulling hard against the stream".

Collected by Alison McMorland from the singing of Willie Scott who described it his mother's favourite song. In her book "Herd Laddie O the Glen" she reports that it was written by Harry Clifton (1824-72) and thanks Steve Gardham "for his expert help with this note".

Differences shown in bold.....

In this world, I have gained my knowledge,
And for it, I had to pay,
Though I never went to college,
I have heard the poets say.

Life is but a mighty river,
Rolling on from day to day,
Men are vessels, launched upon it,
Sometimes wrecked, and castaway.

Chorus

   Then do your best for one another,
   Making life a pleasant dream,
   Help your poor and weary brother,
   Pulling hard against the stream.

Mony a bright guid-hairted (good-hearted) fellow,
Mony a noble-minded man,
Finds himself in waters shallow,
Then assist him, if you can.

Some succeed at every turning,
Fortune favours every scheme,
Not a friend and not a shilling,
Pulling hard against them all.

Chorus

If the wind blows in your favour,
And you've weathered every squall,
Think of those who, luckless, labour,
Never get fair winds at all.

Working hard, contented, willing,
Struggling through life's oceans wide,
Not a friend and not a shilling,
Pulling hard against the tide.

Chorus

Don't give way to foolish sorrow,
Let this keep you in good cheer,
Brighter days may come tomorrow,
If you try and persevere.

Darkest nights must have a morning,
Though the sky be overcast,
Lowest days must have a turning,
And the tide will tu-rn at last.

So do your best for one another,
Making life a pleasant dream,
Help your poor and weary brother,
Pulling hard against the stream.

Bob vG