Emma Pollock - The Optimist

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