I Do Not Need a Cure Written 1964   Background:  In high school, I wrote a script for a proposed musical play called Follow Your Star.  For more details, click the logo. The musical numbers were not original.  The score was a pasticcio of all sorts of existing music, from Bach to polkas.  Sometimes I wrote original lyrics.  Here is one such song, performed in the play's next-to-last scene by the romantic lead Marianne. THE MUSIC:  I had forgotten the source of the melody until I happened to hear it again in 2003.  It's the beginning of the second movement of Haydn's Symphony No. 93.  To hear that movement, click here, then scroll halfway down and click on Symphony no. 93 in D major • MIDI • 1. • MIDI • 2. Largo cantabile • MIDI • 3. • MIDI • 4. How did I know this tune in 1964?  I often joined my piano teacher, Margaret Weller, in playing Haydn symphonies in piano transcriptions for four hands.  This was one of them.  As a song in the play, the music would have begun with a somewhat jauntier tempo than Haydn's largo cantabile. THE WORDS:  Many people live in misery — poverty, illness, separation from loved ones.  One of their religion's functions is to assure them that if they just hang on, things will be better once they "cross over Jordan" into the next life.  In John 3:16, Christianity claims that if you merely believe in Jesus, at the end of your life you won't die, you'll go to heaven.  But Marianne's boyfriend no longer trusts religion's promises.  Is it possible to survive life without them?  Marianne tries to convince herself that it is possible — at least for her.   (soliloquy)  Religion isn't that important.  I can get along without it.  A lot of other people do.  Besides, religion is for old folks.  And I'm not worried about anything.  I'm in love!   I'm young.  I'm carefree.  And this way I shall stay.      No worry to daunt me, no fears, no tears today. I'm young.  I'm carefree.  My world holds no dismay.      My outlook is sunny, and this is how I'll stay! Who needs religion to drive storm clouds away?      For I have no storm clouds to haunt me on my way. Who needs religion to drive storm clouds away?      For I have no storm clouds, and this is how I'll stay! Solid and sure of life,      I do not need a cure for life! Sure of myself and free from strife,      I'll live my life And keep those clouds away,      And keep those clouds away. I'm young.  I'm carefree.  And this way I shall stay.      No worry to daunt me, I'm light and bright and gay. (At this point, the music of my song diverges from the development of Haydn's symphony.  There's stage business during the interlude, with Marianne trying to be self-assured.) (singing again) Who needs religion to drive storm clouds away?      For I have no storm clouds to haunt me on my way. Who needs religion to drive storm clouds away?      For I have no storm clouds, and this is how I'll stay! (slower) Solid and sure of life,      I do not need a cure for life! Sure of myself and free from strife,      I'll live my life      (orchestral echo) And keep those clouds away,      And keep those clouds away. (Silence.  Having failed to convince herself, Marianne sighs and sits.  There is a pause.  Then she beings again to sing quietly, very much slower.) I'm young. I'm carefree.      And this way I shall stay. No worry To daunt me,      I'm light      And bright      And gay.