Stephen Sondheim
I Know Things Now
[LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD]
Mother said, “Straight ahead”, not to delay or be misled
I should have headed her advice…
But he seemed so nice
And he showed me things, many beautiful things
That I hadn't thought to explore
They were off my path, so I never had dared
I had been so careful, I never had cared
And he made me feel excited
Well, excited and scared
When he said, “Come in!” with that sickening grin
How could I know what was in store?
Once his teeth were bared, though, I really got scared
Well, excited and scared
But he drew me close and he swallowed me down
Down a dark slimy path where lie secrets that I never want to know
And when everything familiar seemed to disappear forever
At the end of the path was Granny, once again
So we lay in the dark 'til you came and set us free
And you brought us to the light, and we're back at the start
And I know things now, many valuable things
That I hadn't known before
Do not put your faith in a cape and a hood
They will not protect you the way that they should
And take extra care with strangers
Even flowers have their dangers
And though scary is exciting
Nice is different than good
Now I know, don't be scared
Granny is right, just be prepared
Isn't it nice to know a lot!
And a little bit not