Take your anguish and pain
And set down your load
For the journey is long
On this merciless road
And be selfish in ways
You haven’t before
So selfish the angels
Approve of the score
Turn the battles you’ve lost
Into booty you’ve won
Take a breath and forgive
Just forgive everyone
Start with those whom you love
Though they can’t tell you do
For they haven’t a clue
What they’re doing to you
Yes, I’m talking about
Your children my friend
Allah gave them to you
To be yours till the end
But be selfish, yes, selfish
And give them a kiss
On the cheek with a smile
For there isn’t a bliss
That compares to the feeling
When you’re in a bind
With your Maker and respite
Is nowhere to find
But then ease from some quarter
Has come to your side
Your child shed a tear
For you who have died
What a prayer that is
How it rises from hands
To be kissed by the angels
And how it expands
Till it reaches the One
Who awaits it with pleasure
Who adds to it from
His own love with no measure
One moment you’re shaking
With terror and fright
And the next one you’re making
Celestial flight
So be selfish, yes, selfish
It’s Friday my man
So be selfish just once
And go through with this plan
Sure, your children have troubles
The craziest kind
They’re trapped in these bubbles
They’re falling behind
But now they too are human
And need their own space
They possess equal access
To harness His Grace
Just leave them to journey
And pay their own toll
But you, you be selfish
And coddle your soul
Mend fences, these bonds
Are signs they’ll be needed
When your time on this earth
Is fully depleted
Your body to earth
And soul in its grave
Be selfish, yes, selfish
And grateful a slave