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Everybody Says Don't

(Midi Sequencer unknown.)

Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; originally for the Broadway musical, "Anyone Can Whistle" This version taken from Barbra Streisand's "Back To Broadway" album;

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, till to 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're doing just fine.

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 is better than not starting at all.

Everybody says no, stop,
Mustn't rock the boat, mustn't touch a thing
Everybody says don't
Everybody says wait
Everybody says can't fight city-hall
Can't laugh at the King.

Well, I say do, I say,
Laugh at the King, or he'll make you cry
Lose your poise
Fall if you have to, but lady make a noise!

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
I say don't...
Don't be afraid!

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When you encounter this image link to a non-NIEHS site

or the words "Non-NIEHS Link", it means that by following that link you will be leaving the NIEHS website. NIEHS is NOT responsible for non-NIEHS websites. Sites maintained by outside organizations may be changed without notice to NIEHS. Therefore, unless the link is to another U.S. government sponsored webpage, endorsement by NIEHS is not implied, and NIEHS does not guarantee their continuing safe content or privacy policies. So please ask your parent or guardian before continuing to any non-NIEHS website, and especially before providing any information via the internet or by e-mail. When last reviewed, the websites linked from the NIEHS Kids' Pages seemed suitable for you to visit, but that may have changed; if you have any difficulties or concerns with any linked materials, please let us know.