Malvina Reynolds: Song Lyrics and Poems  



A Soft Answer

Notes: words and music by Malvina Reynolds; copyright 1976 Schroder Music Company, renewed 2004.


A soft answer,
A gentle word,
Might turn a raging lion
Into a singing bird,
A bird.
Sometimes you might get angry,
And defend your rights.
But otherwise
It isn't wise
To start up rows and fights
With comrades and friends.

Yes and thank you
Have a pleasing sound.
A good good morning
Makes the world go round,
Go round.
You might get insistent
If someone does you wrong,
But otherwise
It's surely wise
To get along
With comrades and friends.

A word of kindness
Can help a lot
To cool a situation
That's gotten hot,
Too hot.
Sometimes its necessary
To rise and speak your mind,
Otherwise
It's mighty nice
To be the friendly kind
With comrades and friends.


Malvina Reynolds songbook(s) in which the music to this song appears:
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Malvina Reynolds recording(s) on which this song is performed:
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