This American Life asked songwriters Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez to imagine what then-Speaker of the House Paul Ryan is feeling, but can’t say publicly, about the 2016 presidential election.
[Verse 1: Neil Patrick Harris as Paul Ryan]
I knew some time ago
You didn't want what I could give you any more
I knew some time ago
This was not the party that it was for us before
[Pre-Chorus]
The truth sets in, but the dream persists
I don't believe you're all white nationalists
It hurt to see you running to him
I hope in time, you'll see right through him
[Chorus]
And I'll be there when the nightmare has ended
Yes, I'll be there in the light of day
Turn your back on that troll you befriended
And come on back to me
When you're ready for
A better way
[Verse 2]
I know he's what you want
I know he says the things that make your passions flare
I know he's fun and all
Maybe I'm no fun but it's because I truly care
[Pre-Chorus]
It's only for your sake that I endorsed
I'm sure you could tell it was completely forced
Now the guy is calling me a wussy
I wish I could grab him by the lapels and tell him
[Chorus]
I'll be there to pick up all the pieces
I'll be there, no matter what they say
Cut him loose, and don't let him near your nieces
And come on back to me
Because you'll be ready for
A better way
[Bridge: Neil Patrick Harris as Paul Ryan & (Chorus)]
Cut Medicare! (A better way!)
More fossil fuels! (A better way!)
Social security privatization! (A better way!)
Get the poor off welfare for good (A better way!)
Defund Planned Parenthood. (A better way!)
Gay marriage, abortion, and gun control (A better way!)
Are all unconstitutional!
[Chorus]
Your conservative ideals
No spending tastes as good as a balanced budget feels
And I'll be there with policies aplenty
Yes, I'll be there, rising above the fray!
You'll see me one fine day in 2020
At least, I hope you will
God, I hope there's still
A better way
A Better Way was written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez.
Neil Patrick Harris released A Better Way on Fri Oct 28 2016.