I've been playing around a lot lately with mantras in my life - just little reminders to "keep it real" and stay sane. I don't know where I saw or heard the "Do the next right thing" phrase but I like it. I feel like life is so nuanced that a one-size-fits-all solution isn't possible. So this song is kind of a "check the box next to all that apply" list of ways I might respond in any given situation when I feel myself triggered. Had fun with the arrangement on this one. There's still some slop in the transitions but it's FAWM-done.

C#m B-A F#m Are we on the same side? Are you friend or foe? Apart or together? Or a little bit of both? Is my thinking too narrow? Are my eyes open wide? Who holds the power G# And what is right?

CHORUS A B Every day….Every moment C#m Is a new chance C#m (walk down to A) To do the next right thing A B Every day….Every moment C#m Do the next right thing Do the next right thing

C#m B-A F#m Freeze or fawn? Run away and hide? Wave the white flag? Or sound the battle cry? Stay the course? Or burn it to the ground Or is there a middle way G# Where we all just slow down?

REPEAT CHORUS

SPOKEN BRIDGE When I feel the anger rise I'll remember to breathe Check my inner compass Decide what we need Find my boundaries Stop reading minds Stand my ground or Shift my paradigm Decide what is real What’s beyond my control Use my brain As well as heart and soul Is meeting in the middle The best way to go? Do we wait for evolution Or do we overthrow?

REPEAT CHORUS