(Thanks to Michael Callen and his wonderful book, _Surviving
AIDS_, for inspiring this song.  Also, a tip of the hat to our
Friend Alix Dobkin for some general words of wisdom: "There's no
Payoff in being a pessimist.")
Why are the papers full of gloom?
Predicting a future of darkness and doom
There's no denying many have died
Lives have been lost, tears have been cried
And there's so much pain, and so little relief
That it's hard to feel hope in our moment of grief
But if that's what it takes to help someone live
Then we have a lot we can give
Because there's no such thing as false hope
There's no dream that isn't real
No such thing as false hope
No one can say what the future will reveal
If we believe in our hearts that it's true
Surely, our hope will pull us through
Don't listen in to the TV scare
It only weakens you with despair
They paint a portrait full of doubt
By leaving the long-term survivors out
And as a result, how many are gone
Because their hope was denied for too long?
But if that's what it takes to help someone live
Then we have a lot we can give
Hope is on the horizon
Help is on the way
Love will pull us through another day
Hope is the key that unlocks the mind
Lightens the burden or leaves it behind
And  if that's what it takes to help someone live
Then we have a lot we can give