What Do You Mean?!

What do you mean, you're leaving our Convent?
What do you mean, you're breaking up our Covenant?
What do you mean, out in the street?
Without a place to sleep or anything to eat?
A Loretto nun, a ragged pauper?
Begging shamelessly for her daily supper?

After all, that we have done for you
Can't you at all, think of those around you?
What will they think of us? What will they say of us?
The parents of our children will be sure to laugh at us
They're bound to see, their dear school teacher
Walking round the town, like a poor forsaken creature?

You'll bring us Shame! Shame! Shame
You'd better think twice
You'll bring us Shame! Shame! Shame
That won't be nice
Vilification! And denigration
Such a disgrace on Loretto's pretty face
Humiliation! Mortification
A degradation of our flawless reputation

Besides all that, I worry for you
What can one lone, inexperienced woman do?
Against all Poverty, against all Misery
How can someone as frail as you expect a victory?
It's not too late, to change your mind
Don't leave our comfort and security behind

We've got what it takes, within our gates
Here well-being forever resonates

High are the stakes, within our gates
Here security forever dominates

Sweet are the grapes, within our gates
Here the bitter truth, never penetrates