Stephen Sondheim
Everybody Says Don’t / Yes
Everybody says don't
Everybody says don't
Everybody says
Don't, it isn't right
Don't, it isn't nice
Everybody says don't
Everybody says don't
Everybody says
Don't walk on the grass
Don't disturb the peace
Don't skate on the ice

Well, I say do
I say walk on the grass, it was meant to feel
I say sail
Tilt at the windmill
And if you fail, you fail

Everybody says don't
Everybody says don't
Everybody says
Don't get out of line
When they say that, then
Lady, that's a sign
Nine times out of ten
Lady, you are doing just fine
Life keeps happening every day
Say yes
When opportunities come your way
You can't start wondering what to say
You never win if you never play
Say yes
There's mink and marigold right outside
And long white Cadillacs you can ride
But nothing's gained if there's nothing tried
Say yes

Don't say "why?"
Say "why not?"
What lies beyond what is
Is not
So what?
Say yes

Make just a ripple
Come on, be brave
This time a ripple
Next time a wave
Sometimes you have to start small
Climbing the tiniest wall
Maybe you're going to fall
But it's better than not starting at all
Everybody says no
Everybody says stop
Everybody says
Musn't rock the boat
Musn't touch a thing
Everybody says don't
Everybody says wait
Everybody says can't fight city hall
Can't upset the court
Can't laugh at the king

Well, I say try
I say laugh at the kings or they'll make you cry
Lose your poise
Fall if you have to
But, lady, make a noise

Yes, I'll walk
Yes, I'll look
Yes, I'd love to do such and such
Yes, I'll try
Yes, I'll dare
Yes, I'll fly
Yes, I'll share
Yes, I'd happily, thank you very much
Yes
Oh, yes
Everybody says don't
Everybody says can't
Everybody says
Wait around for miracles
That's the way the world is made
I insist on miracles, if you do them
Miracles, nothing to them
Say yes
Don't be afraid