Shine

Dull as dirt

You can't assert the kind of light

That might persuade

A strict dictator to retire

Fire the army

Teach the poor origami

The truth is in

The proof is when

You hear your heart start asking,

"What's my motivation?"

And try as you may, there isn't a way

To explain the kind of change

That would make an Eskimo renounce fur

That would make a vegetarian barbecue hamster

Unless you can trace this about-face

To a certain sign...

Shine

Make 'em wonder what you've got

Make 'em wish that they were not

On the outside looking bored

Shine

Let it shine before all men

Let'em see good works, and then

Let 'em glorify the Lord

Out of the shaker and onto the plate

It isn't Karma

It sure ain't fate

That would make a Deadhead sell his van

That would make a schizophrenic turn in his crayons

Oprah freaks

And science seeks a rationale

That shall excuse

This strange behavior

When you let it shine

You will inspire

The kind of entire turnaround

That would make a bouncer take ballet

(even bouncers who aren't happy)

But out of the glare

With nowhere to turn

You ain't gonna learn it on "What's My Line?"