The poem is about persevering in the face of adversity and naysayers. It describes a woman who is told something "couldn't be done" but decides to try it anyway with optimism and determination. Despite people scoffing at her efforts and warning of dangers, she tackles the challenge with a smile and sings as she works. Through grit and belief in herself, she succeeds in accomplishing what others claimed was impossible.

1. IT COULDN'T BE DONEby© Edgar A Guest (1881-1959) written in 1919Somebody said that it couldn't be done, But she with a chuckle replied That "maybe it couldn't", but she would be one Who wouldn't say so till she tried. So she buckled right in with a trace of a grin On her face. If she worried she hid it. She started to sing as she tackled the thing, That couldn't be done and she did it.

2. Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that; At least no one ever has done it"But she took off her coat and she took of her hat, And the first thing we knew she'd begun it. With a lift of her chin and a bit of a grin, Without any doubting or quiddit, She started to sing as she tackled the thing That couldn't be done, and she did it.

3. There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done, There are thousands to prophesy failure; There are thousands to point out to you, one by one, The dangers that wait to assail you.But just buckle in with a bit of a grin Just take off your coat and go to it. Just start to sing as you tackle the thing That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.