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This song is one of Thomas' favorites, called "What You Do with What You've Got."
♫ You must know someone like him ♫
♫ He was tall and strong and lean ♫
♫ With a body like a greyhound ♫
♫ and a mind so sharp and keen ♫
♫ But his heart, just like laurel ♫
♫ grew twisted around itself ♫
♫ Till almost everything he did ♫
♫ brought pain to someone else ♫
♫ It's not just what you're born with ♫
♫ It's what you choose to bear ♫
♫ It's not how big your share is ♫
♫ It's how much you can share ♫
♫ It's not the fights you dreamed of ♫
♫ It's those you really fought ♫
♫ It's not what you've been given ♫
♫ It's what you do with what you've got ♫
♫ What's the use of two strong legs ♫
♫ And what's the use of the finest voice ♫
♫ if you've nothing good to say? ♫
♫ What's the use of strength and muscle ♫
♫ if you only push and shove? ♫
♫ And what's the use of two good ears ♫
♫ if you can't hear those you love? ♫
♫ What's the use of two strong legs ♫
♫ And what's the use of the finest voice ♫
♫ if you've nothing good to say? ♫
♫ What's the use of strength and muscle ♫
♫ if you only push and shove? ♫
♫ And what's the use of two good ears ♫
♫ if you can't hear those you love? ♫
♫ Between those who use their neighbors ♫
♫ and those who use the cane ♫
♫ Between those in constant power ♫
♫ and those in constant pain ♫
♫ Between those who run to glory ♫
♫ Tell me which ones are the cripples ♫
About The Speaker
In her warm, glorious voice, Eddi Reader sings thoughtful songs about love, longing and introspection.
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Thomas Dolby has spent his career at the intersection of music and technology. He was an early star on MTV, then moved to Silicon Valley; now he’s back on the road (with friends) with his new album, "A Map of the Floating City."
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About This Talk
Singer/songwriter Eddi Reader performs "What You Do With What You've Got," a meditation on a very TED theme: how to use your gifts and talents to make a difference. With Thomas Dolby on piano.
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