Move On
Bernadette Peters Mandy Patinkin Lyrics

Are you working on something new?
George asks if Bernadette is creating something different.

No.
Bernadette replies in the negative.

That is not like you, George.
George is surprised that Bernadette isn't working on anything fresh.

I've nothing to say--
Bernadette says she doesn't have any ideas.

You have many things
George believes she has an abundance of thoughts.

Well, nothing that's not been said--
She responds that all of her ideas have already been expressed.

Said by you, though, George
Bernadette concedes that her partner may have a unique perspective to offer.

I do not know where to go
Bernadette is uncertain which direction to take.

And nor did I
George admits he had a similar challenge.

I want to make things that count,
Bernadette desires to create something that has significance.

Things that will be new...
She seeks to make something that is novel.

I did what I had to do...
George notes that he faced a similar dilemma and acted upon it.

What am I to do?
Bernadette is still unsure how to proceed.

Move on...
George advises her to keep going forward.

Stop worrying where you're going
He urges her to stop focusing on the destination.

Move on
He repeats his advice.

If you can know where you're going
A conditional statement: if she can figure out where she's headed...

You've gone
...she's already there.

Just keep moving on
George repeats his earlier counsel to press on.

I chose, and my world was shaken
Bernadette reflects on a past decision that rocked her world.

So what?
George remarks that the past is the past.

The choice may have been mistaken,
Bernadette concedes that the decision might have been unsound.

The choosing was not
But she emphasizes that the act of deciding was necessary.

You have to move on.
George reiterates the need to progress.

Look at what you want,
He encourages her to focus on her goals.

Not at where you are,
...rather than her current situation.

Not at what you'll be
...or her potential future self.

Look at all the things you've done for me
George reminds Bernadette about all the ways in which she's helped him.

Opened up my eyes,
She's broadened his perspective.

Taught me how to see,
Bernadette has taught him valuable lessons.

Notice every tree--
George has become more observant and appreciative of the world around him.

Notice every tree...
He repeats his statement for emphasis.

Understand the light--
He continues to describe how Bernadette has contributed to his growth.

Understand the light...
He repeats the phrase.

Concentrate on now--
He advises Bernadette to stay in the present moment.

I want to move on
She echoes George's desire to progress.

I want to explore the light
Bernadette seeks to learn more about her surroundings.

I want to know how to get through,
She wants to overcome any obstacles in her path.

Through to something new,
And to discover something fresh.

Something of my own
An original creation.

Move on
George repeats his motivational advice.

Move on
Once more, he emphasizes the need to press forward.

Stop worrying if your vision is new
George attempts to comfort Bernadette by telling her not to fret about having an entirely novel idea.

Let others make that decision
He suggests that others will be the judge of the uniqueness of her vision.

They usually do
He notes that people will form their own opinions regardless.

You keep moving on
George offers his support and entreats her to persist.

Look at what you've done / Something in the light,
He directs her to examine her accomplishments.

Then at what you want / Something in the sky,
To consider her goals.

Not at where you are/ In the grass,
And not to focus on the here and now.

Where you'll be / Up behind the trees...
But to imagine her future.

Look at all the things you gave to me / Things I hadn't looked at till now
George reminds her of her positive influence on him and her unique perspective.

Let me give to you / Flower in your hat.
George wants to reciprocate and bestow a gift upon Bernadette.

Something in return / And your smile
He hopes that seeing Bernadette happy will be reward enough.

I would be so pleased / And the color of your hair.
He will find joy in just looking at her.

And the way you catch the light
George finds Bernadette radiant and delightful.

And the care
He appreciates her kindness and thoughtfulness.

And the feeling
He admires her emotional intelligence and empathy.

And the life
He loves her vitality and passion.

Moving on
George once again stresses the importance of progressing.

We've always belonged together!
George believes that he and Bernadette are a perfect match and are meant to stay together.

We will always belong together!
He reinforces that sentiment and expresses confidence in their future.

Just keep moving on.
Again, he urges Bernadette to persist.

Anything you do
George encourages Bernadette to create something.

Let it come from you
He stresses that she should stay true to herself.

Then it will be new
He believes that if she is authentic, it will result in something original.

Give us more to see...
He implores her to keep creating and inspiring others.