Larry Gardiner

The New Improved Truth

A playful protest song by Larry Gardiner

Sing the verses to the tune of: The Times, they are a’Changin’ (with apologies to Bob Dylan)

When I was young I was seen and not heard

Now I’m full of myself as you may have observed

When I had no choice I was dying to choose

So I’ve chosen to live life with nothing to lose

Sing the chorus to the tune of: The Mexican Hat Dance (traditional tune)

It’s so hard to always be modest

When you are so gorgeous you see

So clever, courageous and charming

I get such a blast being me

So I smile when I look in the mirror

To see such a wonderful man

It’s so hard to always be modest

But I’m trying as hard as I can

Of grief and misfortune I’ve had my own share

To be showered with blessings is really not fair

But don’t get me wrong, you’ll not hear me moan

For its plain to see that I’m one on my own

Chorus

Whatever the challenge, whatever the chore

No matter how weary, no matter how sore

There’s joy in each moment if you just look and see

To just be yourself is a pleasure to me

Chorus

Well my path through life has brought many a trial

But I soldier on with a song and a smile

Life is so good, each day is so grand

If you’re having it rough, let me give you a hand

Chorus

 

No matter the twists in life’s rocky road

We’ll walk it together and lighten the load

Two heads it is said are much better than one

And alone in the bed is only half as much fun

Chorus

So I’ll walk with you if you walk with me

Together we’ll find out what a gas it can be

We’ll share what we have and give what we can

One wonderful woman and one gorgeous man

Chorus

It can be such a struggle, which all goes to show

To sing one’s own praises is just not done you know

But this is one struggle I’ll give up right away

I’ll tell you the truth and just seize the day

Chorus

Pride leads to a fall I have often been told

But it isn’t a sin, if I might make so bold

To believe in yourself is quite healthy you see

If you did it too, you’d be as happy as me

Chorus

Come father and mother, come sister and brother

What you wish for yourself, do ye unto each other

If you say about you what you most want to hear

You can make your own life a life full of cheer

Chorus

These words they keep coming, I just don’t know how

But ten verses of this are enough for just now

And if you don’t shut me up, I’ll keep singing all night

For delight in ourselves is a God given right

Chorus

The Writers Group at Newbattle Abbey College