Stephen Sondheim
Opportunity
[PAPA]
One day lose, the next day win
Splash and then it's splat!
Giving in's the only sin
And boys, this land is fat
We can all be rich again—
Like that!

[WILSON & ADDISON, spoken]
Like what, Papa?

[PAPA, spoken]
That!
(sung)
Hear that knocking?
Hear that sound?
Opportunity!
What's that knocking
All around?
That's your heritage
Opportunity!

See what's new!
Something more!
Me, I'm through
Up to you—
Go explore!
Only one thing never dies—
Opportunity!
Something better always lies
Around the corner!

Once you spot an opportunity
Don't just make a note
Take it by the throat
Pounce, or miss the boat
There's a land of opportunities—
Grab your hat and coat!

You just keep heading west
Crossing mountains and plains
Planting roots, building towns
As you go

Pressing on as you're pressed
Through the winds and the rains
Taking risks, tempting fate
Till you open every gate
That's what's made this country great—!
(spoken)
Westward ho, boys!

[ADDISON, spoken]
But Papa, we're in California—
[MAMA, spoken]
Speak up, dear. 

[MAMA leans down and listens, conveying what PAPA says to the boys.]

(sung)
We've been poor...
But we're in Michigan...
Oh—
We'll be rich again...
Never say die...
New ideas
Are always just around the corner

Find the new frontiers...
Be the pioneers...
Learn to bounce...
That's what counts...

[PAPA summons his last strength and suddenly rises.]

[PAPA]
We'll be rich again!...
Opportunity!....
Never say die—!
[PAPA crashes back on the bed and dies.]