Ten Percent Chance

words and music by Greg Crowther

I haven't written lately;
Been busy in the lab.
You know I've had some setbacks,
But I'm taking another stab.

I know this new proposal
May catch you a bit off-guard,
But I've smartened up, and I'm willing to work hard....

I've got a ten percent chance with you,
But there's a nine-in-ten chance we're through.
And there's nothing left to do for now but wait.
You have turned me down before,
But I've come back wanting more,
Because Specific Aims 1 through 4 are really great!

I've tried to interest others,
But it seems they've all lost touch;
My incremental progress
Did not excite them much.

But I've heeded all their feedback;
I've set some larger goals.
I've cleaned up all my stats and my controls....

I've got a ten percent chance with you;
That's my luck with peer review,
And there's nothing left to do for now but wait.
You have turned me down before,
But I've come back wanting more,
Because Specific Aims 1 through 4 are really great!

I once told a friend that seeking grant money is like trying to get up the nerve to ask out someone who will probably say no. I still feel that way.