In the Hearts of Men

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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

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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

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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

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In the hearts of men, in the arms of mothers

In the parts we play to convince others

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