.
In the hearts of men, in the arms of mothers
In the parts we play to convince others
We know what we’re doing, we’re doing it right
They’ve written books on the subject
but then you may still be surprised
By your tone over the phone to your sister while waiting in line
At the shopping mart just outside of town
.

In the hands of teachers, in the books you read
In the things we say when we lost the lead
I still try to speak up but my voice won’t make a sound
And I thought it all over too many times
When there is no use and the lights are all out
I just give it up and I walk home
past the shopping mart that’s just closing down
.
You tell yourself you are, must be what you be
Who’s to say who is who
and what is what if you simply don’t agree
Now time will come to claim you and it will have its way
Don’t make no mistakes, and don’t regret
Don’t waste the time that is left
And then do it all with a goddam smile
.

In the hearts of men, in the arms of mothers
In the parts we play to convince others
.