Composition

Lyrics

Hope
We all want to feel safe, secure, protected.
Sometimes things aren’t as enduring as expected
Let’s take a moment to realize what could vanish before our eyes

I like having a Department of Education
I like needy kids to have a Head Start
I like the EPA, I like the FDA, I like the CDC, I like the DOJ,
I like societal safeguards in the organizational chart.

I like living and loving as I choose
I like when we try to understand each other’s views
I like freedom to worship as I like, or not
I like when kids in schools do not get shot
& how about giving some serious thought
to who might have a weapon, and who should not?

I like when everyone can reach their potential
I like respecting experts’ scientific credentials
I like trusting what their research and advice says
I like averting an impending climate crisis
& let’s give thanks for the NOAA
Nice to know when the next category 5 hurricane’s headed our way.

We all want order at the southern border
Wouldn’t it be great if we’d all at least agree
To assess and address the situation honestly?
No crazy stories, no blowing up statistics
Then maybe we’d be free to hone in on logistics.
And if I may, dare I say it’s good to underscore
Bipartisan work on this matter has been done before.

I like simple, unembellished, unadorned facts
I like to think we can have each other’s backs.
Don’t we like it when we give each other heed?
No lies, exaggerations, endless screeds?
Connecting verbally, dropping the hyperbole
Able to press to meet our common needs?

I like appreciating all the good we do we have now
Knowing it could all disappear somehow
I like seeing that it’s up to me
We can’t take for granted our democracy
We need to keep this in focus constantly.

I like resources that help people cope
I like knowing how and when to say “Nope,”
But more than anything, I like hope.