Forget things that go bump in the night. The most terrifying monsters, it turns out, walk among us in broad daylight—armed with megaphone grins, fake compassion, and an insatiable appetite for drama. This week’s featured track delivers a blistering, tongue-in-cheek exorcism for these energy vampires.

With a groove that’s as infectious as its message is defiant, the song lays out a modern manifesto: life is too short for the greedy, the manipulative, and the perpetually outraged. It contrasts the simple rattle of a chain with the complex cruelty of a “Karen” or a control freak, landing on a startling conclusion—you’re better off befriending the poltergeist.

Driven by a chant-like hook and a chorus that is equal parts playful and powerfully dismissive—”Go away, stay away, shoo, shoo, shoo!”—this is the cathartic cleanse you didn’t know you needed. It’s a bold declaration of boundaries, a call to “block, delete, unplug, renew,” and the ultimate soundtrack for protecting your peace. Consider this your permission slip to shoo the nonsense right out of your life.

Lyrics

[Verse 1]

I’ve seen scarier things than a ghost in the night,

Like someone convinced they’re always right.

Preachin’ their “truth” with a megaphone grin,

Then lashin’ out loud if you don’t give in.

The greedy ones grab, never give you a slice,

Counting their coins while they gamble your life.

They’ll smile with teeth, then they’ll drain you dry,

I’d rather be friends with a poltergeist.

[Pre-Chorus]

Horrible

Horrible people.

They are scarier than ghosts,

It’s better to leave those fools.

[Chant]

Ah say va na cha, ba…la…na (Note: A Pali verse from the Mangala Sutta)

Nana na na na….

[Chorus]

Go away, stay away, shoo, shoo, shoo!

I don’t need your chaos in my view.

Go away, stay away, shoo, shoo, shoo…

Good vibes only, keep my skies blue.

If you bringin’ poison, better leave the room,

Go away, stay away, shoo, shoo!

[Verse 2]

Karens in line with their rage to spill,

Demandin’ the manager, drama refill.

Control freak manipulating your strings,

But love ain’t a game, I don’t play those things.

Pretenders say “peace” but they’re sharp like knives,

Preachin’ compassion while wreckin’ lives.

Selfish souls who don’t ever share,

If you look deep enough,you’ll find nothing there.

[Pre-Chorus]

Horrible.

Horrible people.

They are scarier than ghosts,

It’s better to leave those fools.

[Chant]

Ah say va na cha, ba…la…na

Nana na na na….

[Chorus]

Go away, stay away, shoo, shoo, shoo!

I don’t need your chaos in my view.

Go away, stay away, shoo, shoo, shoo…

Good vibes only, keep my skies blue.

If you bringin’ poison, better leave the room,

Go away, stay away, shoo, shoo!

[Bridge]

Ghosts just rattle, they don’t judge your shoes,

But people like this? Oh, they’ll leave you bruised.

So block, delete, unplug, renew—

Your peace is a treasure, don’t let ‘em undo.

[Final Chorus / Outro]

Go away, stay away, shoo, shoo, shoo!

I don’t need your chaos in my view.

Go away, stay away, shoo, shoo, shoo…

Good vibes only, keep my skies blue.

If you bringin’ poison, better leave the room,

Go away, stay away, shoo, shoo!

[Speak in sultry and nonchalant manner]

Shoo, shoo… (bye-bye!)

Shoo, shoo… (see ya never!)

Go away, stay away, shoo, shoo!

The message doesn’t sound very compassionate?

You may be surprised to learn that the Buddha did not teach his disciples to foolishly keep company with those who cause harm. While he shared stories of perfecting patience and compassion in the Jataka Tales, these were his own lofty path to becoming a Samma SamBuddha; he did not expect all his followers to do the same without wisdom.

In fact, the Buddha was explicit about this. He taught, “Do not associate with evil friends; do not associate with lowly people. Associate with virtuous friends; associate with noble people” (Dhammapada 78). This is a call for discernment.

Being a Buddhist doesn’t mean we have to live up to unrealistic expectations to appear compassionate. If you know someone is consistently toxic or harmful, it is not only acceptable but wise to create distance. We can wish them well in our hearts without allowing them into our lives. Our practice is about being true to ourselves and following basic, practical wisdom in our daily interactions.

Note: You can download this song by going to “My Buddhist Songs” in the menu above.

May all be well and happy.