In normal times when people meet or catch up on the phone
They ask, ‘how are you’ to start the conversation
But after what has been the strangest time we’ve ever known
That answer might require a slight modification

I’m fine – with an asterisk Which is just to say
The world is a mess and I’m buried in stress
But other than THAT, I’m okay

I’m good – with an asterisk
Which is how my answer gets corrected
Though reality’s a pain, it hasn’t driven me insane
I’m doing about as well as could be expected

An asterisk’s a form of punctuation to indicate you left something out
Like the way our current situation makes me wanna scream and shout! Ahh!

But instead I say I’m okay – with an asterisk, nah, I don’t need to curse
The world’s upside down but I won’t wear a frown
Cause things could still be way way worse?

I’m peachy – with an asterisk Which I’ll need to say for awhile
We don’t know what’s ahead yet, but hey, I’m not dead yet
So I can still manage to smile

If you find your spirits are sinkin’ - just look for something that’s still okay
Like - Other than that Mrs. Lincoln – how’d ya like the play?

Then you can say I’m fine – with an asterisk (instead of yelling Screw it!)
All sense of normal life is gone, but I’m still hanging on
Though I don’t know how much longer I can do it

So next time we all talk And start making small talk
Let’s keep it cheerful and brisk
When you ask me how I am, I’ll say I’m fine – with an asterisk!