Bad Advice

Man 1: Look how high the buildings, built with human hands,
rise above those humans stuck there on the ground.

They are going nowhere, I am moving up,
rising like a building, look out down below!

I can rise along with the best—

who would want to deny it, to themselves or to me?

If you should shirk your duty, you’re the one who’ll lose. 

Survival of the fittest forces you to choose.
No it isn’t pretty, isn’t always kind,
but you’ll come out stronger with a tougher mind.
Bear in mind this axiom:
Fighting hurts only the looser; winner takes all!

Woman: Can’t you see...
Man 1: I don’t care to see!

Man 2: Tolerance is at issue here!
You would have him conquer when he should forgive;

You would have him murder, just so he can live.

You would have him godless in a hostile land,
improvising morals for each case at hand.
Guidance might come from above!
Faith heals even the lowliest; winner gives all.

Man 1: Can’t you see...

Man 2: I don’t care to see!

Woman: They mean well—I’m sure you do—but

I know you best (I know you better than they do). 
I know your heart—you can’t love a man and not know

that you’ll do fine (given the chance that I wish you would ask for).

Please let me know what’s on your mind.
You need a rest—there’s nothing wrong basically.
You need to work—keep yourself occupied.
Somehow you’ll find a way—better sooner than later,
I’d say—

to let me know what’s on your mind.

All: What are you thinking? What are you thinking? 
What are you thinking? What are you thinking?

Man 3: Well, since you ask, I...

Man 2: Can’t you see...

Man 3: Well, I’d like to say...

Man 1: Can’t you see...

Man 3: If you’d let me speak!

Woman: Can’t you see...

Man 3: Now just hear me out! OK! Well, I thought I’d tell you that...

Man 1 (simultaneously with Man 2 & Woman): Business is a world where conferences are held.
Let me tell you, there decision making counts.
I want to hear you speaking your ideas!
If your concepts sparkle, if they’re really fine,
then you’ll be promoted to the CEO!

Certain observations bring you to the top,
be a yes-man, sure, if that is what it takes.

Man 2 (simultaneously with Man 1 & Woman): All that I can offer is a friendly word
with my clever insight and my sage advice.
Words of wisdom can be found among the books
written by the faithful honoring their faith.
I want to hear you speaking your ideas!
Naturally, I must point out that there’s one book
far above them all, I think you know which one.

Woman (simultaneously with Man 1 & Man 2): I want to hear you speaking your ideas!
Surely I’m the one to whom you can confide,
I who hold you closest in my heart of hearts.
Try your best to answer, we will listen close,
and you should remember, we’re just here to help.
I want to hear you speaking your ideas!

Man 3: OK, OK! I’m convinced of it now!
I don’t want to deny it to myself or to you.
I have been a fool—yes that’s it exactly on the nose—

and you’ve made me see—my mistake is clear to me now—

I had thought I was right—it seemed like a good idea at the time—

to think that I just might be wrong.