Whistle, Bill

When the skies are dull an’ gray,

When the sun is fur away;

When all natur’ acts ez ef

She would like to hand a biff,

When your courage starts to dro

An’ you’ve lost your surest prop

An’ you’re pale around the gill,

That’s the time to whistle, Bill.

When the fires don’t draw fust rate,

An’ the breakfast, it is late,

When the cleanin’ house comes round,

An’ you dread the sight an’ sound,

When the wife wants this an’ that,

An’ the children they are “scat”,

When you’d like to make your will

That’s the time to whistle, Bill.

When the creditors flock round,

Campin’ out till you are found,

Or, if on the other hand,

You are campin’ on their land,

An’ you cannot raise a sou

Out of all the motley crew,

Wonderin’ if you ever will –

That’s the time to whistle, Bill.

March 21, 1912

biff - A sharp blow with the fist.
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/biff

sou – historical - A former French coin of low value.
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/sou