Well, if Elsie, bless her little heart, were still around, she would flame me most horribly for responding to two requests for non-folk songs in two days, but I DID send "Cockeyed Optimist" by e-mail; and this one was really hard to find because the musicals lyrics sites seem to have been shut down and it isn't in my fake books - but it IS in an obscure, out-of-print lyrics book, so here goes (Elsie, forgive me):

OPEN A NEW WINDOW
from "Mame," 1966
words and music by Jerry Herman

Open a new window,
Open a new door,
Travel a new highway
That's never been tried before,
Before you find you're a dull fellow
Punching a time clock,
Walking the same tightrope,
As everyone on the block-
The fellow you ought to be is three dimensional,
Soaking up life
Down to your toes,
Whenever they say you're slightly unconventional,
Just put your thumb up to your nose,
and show'em how to
Dance to a new rhythm,
Whistle a new song,
Toast with a new vintage,
The fizz doesn't fizz too long -
There's only one way to make the bubbles stay;
Simply travel a new highway,
Dance to a new rhythm,
Open a new window every day!

Corny though they are, I guess I have to admit this song and "Optimist" do a pretty good job of expressing how I like to live life. I hope we can all open new windows in the new year.
-Joe Offer-