Tempters:                               Feel uncool, excluded?
                                             Surf with us the internet.
                                             Broadband’s getting faster yet!
                                             Surf the instant internet.

Tempters’ chorus:                 We don’t urge unending spending:
overwhelmed concurrently by    we just boost your self-esteem!
Congregational rebuttal:        Tempt us not to buy more stuff, for
in a strong rhythm chant          we believe enough’s enough.

Tempters:                               Feel uncool, excluded?
                                             Set not ready for HD?
                                             Every blade of grass you’ll see
                                             watching football in HD.*

Tempters’ chorus:                    We don’t urge unending spending:
to be overwhelmed by              we just boost your self-esteem!
Congregational rebuttal:           Tempt us not to buy more stuff, for
as before                                we believe enough’s enough.

Tempters:                               Feel uncool, excluded?
                                             Take a trip to Disneyland.
                                             Mickey Mouse will understand.
                                             Meet him there in Disneyland!

Tempters’ chorus:                    We don’t urge unending spending:
to be overwhelmed by              we just boost your self-esteem!
Congregational rebuttal:           Tempt us not to buy more stuff, for
as before                                we believe enough’s enough. 

Tempters:                               Feel uncool, excluded?
                                             Text him/her on your mobile phone:
                                             you need never be alone
                                             texting on your mobile phone.

Tempters’ chorus:                     We don’t urge unending spending:
to be overwhelmed by               we just boost your self-esteem!
Congregational rebuttal:            Tempt us not to buy more stuff, for
as before                                 we believe enough’s enough.

Tempters:                                Feel uncool, excluded?
                                              Digital photography!
                                              Instant prints that all can see!
                                              Master smart photography!

Tempters’ chorus:                     We don’t urge unending spending:
to be overwhelmed by               we just boost your self-esteem!
Congregational rebuttal:            Tempt us not to buy more stuff, for
as before                                 we believe enough’s enough.
now louder                               Tempt us not to buy more stuff, for
crescendo                                WE BELIEVE ENOUGH’S ENOUGH!

(Tempters tear up script!)

* on Sunday, 5th August 2007, for "blade of grass" we read "jelly-bean" and for "football", "cricket". Similar topical adaptations are to be encouraged!

 © J Michael Topliss

after Sydney Carter’s "Feeling Sad and Lonely"