When you’re a baby they want you

to grow, when you grow they want you

to show, the traits and habits of someone who’s good, and behaves in a way

that everyone should

   They want the best for you

The best for you, what’s best for you

you see, what’s good for them is right

for them, so it’s right for you and me

   

You start to walk and they want you to run

And learn to spell and be able to write

You have to be bright and take the right path, as long as it involves being good

at maths

   They want the best for you

The best for you, what’s best for you

you see, what’s good for them is right

for them, so it’s right for you and me

   

You go to school and keep the rules

but they want much more, much more

than that, to be top of the class, pass your exams and mix with all t’ top brass.

   They want the best for you

The best for you, what’s best for you

you see, what’s good for them is right

for them, so it’s right for you and me

   

And through all this you’ve come through well, got married, have kids and a house

You’ve had your say but now today

you’re as quiet as a mouse.

   

Your old you see, no life of your own, your time is nearly due. As you sit and wonder what it’s all about they say “we want what’s best for you”

   They want the best for you

The best for you, what’s best for you

you see, what’s good for them is right

for them so it’s right for you and me

Right for them you see

Right for you and me?

From ‘100 More Reasons for Rhyme’

by ‘Rick Varden