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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.
Full bio and more links
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."
Full bio and more links
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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