I’ve seen the face of the hungry
Of the lonely I’ve heard the mute cry
Seen the light that shines on the wicked all day
And the meek downtrodden and poor
I drank from the well of despair
I’ve felt the strong grip of dark fear
I’ve seen dreams that are shattered and hope disappear
And I wonder what I will become
I would rather become an old fool
I’d rather be insane
And forget loss and gain
With my fancy I’d fly
I would chase butterflies
I would rather become an old fool
I’ve seen the eyes of the hopeless
Of the mighty the arrogant grin
In the name of the Almighty seen father kill son
And children abused and in chains
I’ve seen the stranger insulted
The homeless who’s treated as bane
A neighbor being shunned for the shade of his skin
And I wonder what I will become
I would rather become an old fool
Getting rid of my mind
If life’s meaning I’d find
I would sing with the birds
I would chat with the trees
I would rather become an old fool
I’ve seen the joy of young lovers
And the tears in a new mother’s eyes
I’ve seen the pure smile of an innocent child
And the grace of a loving grandma
I’ve seen the folks who are sharing
What can’t be enough just for them
I’ve seen people who are hurting help neighbors in pain
And I wonder what I will become
I would rather become an old fool
I would dream of a world
Where we care for each other
Where the people I meet
Are my sister and brother
I would rather become an old fool