If I were asked to speak
To students earning their degree
I’ve thought a lot about
The kind of speech that it would be
One thing I know for certain
It won’t be about me
A topic I considered
That quickly I rejected
Was how I missed the NHL
Because I’ve long suspected
I’m not a French Canadian
And not that well connected
I would not tell the graduates
Now let me be exact
In words both wise and wonderful
That I know for a fact
Success is out of reach
Because of how the deck is stacked
I’d tell them not to be someone
Who wonders what the use is
I’d say that you can win a hand
With just a pair of deuces
So long as you don’t waste your time
In making up excuses
I’d say the hardest tasks are fun
When you decide to do them
And if someone gets in your way
Don’t ever stop to sue them
And no one has true happiness
If it gets handed to them
I’d say the future’s waiting
And they’re in a prime position
That they can make things better
Should they make that their passion
If they don’t pin their hope for change
On any politician
