How do you say to your child in the night
"Nothing's all black, but then nothing's all white"?
How do you say "It will all be alright"
When you know that it might not be true, what do you do?

Careful the things you say
Children will listen
Careful the things you do
Children will see and learn
Children may not obey
But, children will listen
Children will look to you
For which way to turn
To learn what to be
Careful before you say
"Listen to me"
Children will listen

Careful the wish you make
Wishes are children
Careful the path they take
Wishes come true, not free
Careful the spell you cast
Not just on children
Sometimes the spell may last
Past what you can see
And turn against you
Careful the tale you tell
That is the spell
Children will listen

How can you say to a child who's in flight
"Don't slip away and I won't hold so tight"?
What can you say that no matter how slight
Won't be misunderstood?
What do you leave to your child when you're dead?
Only whatever you put in it's head
Things which your mother and father which were left to them too

Careful what you say
Children will listen
Careful you do it to
Children will see and learn
Guide them but step away
Children will glisten
Temper with what is true
And children will turn
If just to be free
Careful before you say
"Listen to me"
Children will listen
Children will listen

Children
Children will listen

Copyright: Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Writer(s): Stephen Sondheim