Be Safe, Be Good (For Rachel)

I never went out swimming directly after lunch
I didn't smoke, no, I'd never text and drive
I always wore my seatbelt, a life vest, or sunscreen
I had plans to stick around and stay alive

I'd button up my jacket when the cold wind blew
I'd brush my teeth at least two times a day
I never sat too close to the television
To my parents, I would listen and obey

Be safe, they said, be good
But things don't happen quite the way they should
Oh, mama

You know I've tried my best to toe the line
'Cause I thought at first that this universe
Had a reason or a rhyme

Well you can dot your t's and cross your i's
But steady yourself for the big surprise
'Cause sooner or later you realize
It's not fair, not fair

And boiled down and simplified
All that you can really do
Is buckle in
And hang on for the ride