I know the world is filled with troubles and many injustices. But reality is as beautiful as it is ugly. I think it is just as important to sing about beautiful mornings as it is to talk about slums. I just couldn't write anything without hope in it.

For when I fool the people I fear, I fool myself as well.

You've got to be taught to hate and fear.

You've got to be taught to be afraid Of people whose eyes are oddly made, Of people whose skin is a different shade. You've got to be carefully taught.

But I'm only a cockeyed optimist.

June is bustin' out all over.

It is a modern tragedy that despair has so many spokesmen, and hope so few.