Ask For The World appears on
Hopelessly In Love: The Lyrics Of Tom Toce
Featuring Carole J. Bufford, Jack Donahue, And Jennifer Sheehan
with a guest appearance by Jane Monheit
Sung by Carole, Jack, and Jennifer
Music by Tom Toce
Piano: Matthew Martin Ward
Bass: Boots Maleson
Ask for the World
When I was younger, I’d stumble and fall
And always my mother would say
“Setbacks and bruises are part of the deal
You can’t let them ruin your day
You’re gonna lose,
Ah, but you’re gonna win
So here’s my advice every time you begin
Ask for the world
Don’t ever be shy
Just ask for the world
Here’s why
Nobody makes it
Who aims for the trees
So please keep your eye
Sky high
And know that the world can be yours
If you ask for the world.”
Now I am older and now when I fall
It’s my voice within me I hear
“Pick yourself up,” is the first thing I say
Or maybe it’s, “Wait till next year.”
Next year is here, so I wind up on top
But I’ve got a plan for the next time I flop
Ask for the world
Don’t ever be shy
Just ask for the world
Here’s why
Nobody makes it
Who aims for the trees
So please keep your eye
Sky high
And know that the world can be yours
If you ask for the world
All of you judges and all of you friends
And all of you seekers like me
Good luck and hard work
Will take you quite far
But they’re only two out of three
Here is the third thing
I think you should know
As my mother said to me so long ago
“Ask for the world
For worlds can be won
So ask for the world
My son
People may urge you
To aim for the trees
But please keep your eye
Sky high
And know that the world can be yours
If you ask for the world
Good night
And sleep tight
And I love you
But ask for the world!”