Show Me The Data!

by Greg Crowther

I spoke at Rutland High School's 2003 commencement ceremony, and I sang this song at the end of my speech as a summary of my message to the graduates.

Information all around --
Some is bad, and some is sound.
How can I decide which statements to accept?
There's a logical recourse:
Locate each primary source,
So conflicting sets of rumors can be checked.

CHORUS:
Show me the data.
You've got to show me the data.
If you don't show me the data,
Then how will I know?
Show me the data.
You've got to show me the data.
If you don't show me the data,
Then how will I know?

Is that candidate a jerk?
Does this toothpaste really work?
We must gather all the facts and then decide.
If there's truth in what you say,
Let me see Exhibit A.
Then my thirst for details will be satisfied.

CHORUS

If you don't show me the data,
Then how will I know?

• sheet music