Optimism
Optimism perished from the face of my Earth
Then you came along, came along and swept me away
She kissed me, as we stood on the edge
The night made the day as we made for the bridge
It started raining hard, and I saw we may live to regret

No I never really understood
No I never really understood why
'Cause I've never been given
No, I've never been given two tries
No I never really understood
Understood why

Pessimism
Pessimism perished from the face of my Earth
Then you came along, came along and swept me away
Oh, did you miss me?
Did you miss me as we walked through the pain
Attached with chains so you could see me again
I started asking myself, did I teach you right?

No I never really understood
No I never really understood why
'Cause I've never been given
'Cause I've never been given two tries
No I never really understood
Understood why

Understood why
You came to me, you broke the bonds
You set me free
And then the love that you promised me
Came a tumblin', tumblin', tumblin' down
Into my hands

No I never really understood
No I never really understood why
'Cause I've never been given
'Cause I've never been given two tries
No I never really understood
Understood why

So teacher, teach me
The hands of a teacher
Teach me!