The Optimist - Emma Pollock

Given the light, give it some truth

Given the maybe, give it some proof

This body is cleaner, I’m one to behold

My truth is uncovered, untainted, untold

Hello to the people I considered old

Oh, the optimist

Teach me to follow, teach me to lead

Teach me to stand up and how to succeed

As long as I’m upright I’ll try to prolong

The notion that future events must go on

No matter the turn out is right or is wrong

They trusted you

And all the things you often made them do

And look, everyone’s smiling

Telling me I’ve got to trust you too

Do no wrong

'Cause if you do you just won’t live as long

And look, everyone’s crying

Someone’s telling them to just stop trying

Given some truth, call it a lie

Give some action, ask yourself why

This body is slow and has seen its best days

My truth has uncovered my negative ways

I’m one of the people I struggle to praise

Oh, the pessimist

Teach me follow but never to lead

Teach me to stay down and never succeed

When everyone’s watching it’s hard to admit

The movement of shadows that lead me to quit

I grapple with time, but I can’t make it fit

They trusted you

And all the things you often made them do

And look, everyone’s smiling

Telling me I’ve got to trust you too

Do no wrong

'Cause if you do you just won’t live as long

And look, everyone’s smiling

Someone’s telling them to just stop trying