Here Within These Walls

Outside, life's a mess
No one's pure of spirit any longer
There's no wrong or right
Just wrong and wronger
People have amused themselves to death
Outside, life is grim
Filled with smut and scandal to the brim
I suppose there may be room for Him -
Frankly, I don't plan to hold my breath
But here within these walls
Days are filled with grace
God is in his place
His wisdom still respected
Here within these walls
Life has a different pace
From life beyond our doors
And for what it's worth
This life's now yours!

Outside all is vice
People now are absolutely shameless
Most, including those who shall be nameless
Hardly seem to know or even care
Outside, all is sin
And I won't have the outside coming in
Trust me, it's a battle you won't win -
Frankly, dear, you haven't got a prayer
Here within these walls
Life is sweet and good
Faith is understood
And selfishness rejected
Here within these walls
Work, prayer, and sisterhood
Are what life's built upon
That's how it will stay
Or else you're gone!

So put aside your gluttony!
Put aside your pride!
As for carnal lust
You need a break, I trust
Put it all aside!
Put aside intemperance!
Profanity as well!
Put aside each remnant
Of your former worldly shell

Here within these walls
All is stripped away
Surrender and obey (Maria)
That's all that is expected
Here within these walls (Gratia)
All else is kept at bay
Though the world may go astray (plena)
Here eternal truths hold sway
Here within these walls (Salve Regina)
Life is truly blessed!
Here you're God's own guest (Mater misericordiae)
Celestially protected
Here within these walls (Vita, dulcedo)
All's for the very best
And always shall be thus (Et spes nostra salve)
And if heaven's will be done
Here she'll just be one more nun (Salve Regina)
Safe within these walls as one of us!
(Salve, salve, Amen)