Looking back through my “song archives” this morning for my MarkShepardSongs Blog, my attention was attracted to a couple of songs from the musical “Letters To Daddy”.
In this part of the play the main character stands up to the “bully” who has been acting mean and stealing smaller kids lunches.
Of course the teacher didn’t see THAT. The teacher only sees Caroline start the fight. So Caroline, this normally very well behaved girl, gets in trouble. She was TRYING to do the right thing but just got caught up in the events as they unfolded.
That’s one of the most confusing things for kids, we tell then to stand up for themselves, but not to fight. We tell them to get adult help but not to be tattle tales…
Later on in the musical, of course, she discovers WHY Billy is acting out the way he’s acting out. I’ll share that with you tomorrow.
Today, I thought you might like to experience the process of how a song goes from simple guitar accompaniment with me singing to a full blown arrangement with someone else singing.
In this case the “someone else” is the The Amazing Rilee O’Neill.
Here’s my version –
Please click the arrow to play:
Here’s Rilee O’Neil’s version, Arrangement by Joe Mennonna, Electric Guitar by Gene Moore
Billy Is A Bully (I Will Defend)
Song #370 | 10/19/07 | CD: Letters To Daddy
Billy is a bully and
He always tries to pull me
Into a confrontation
That will land me in detention at my school
I feel the need to mention
That the tension just cemented
My intention to take action
And cause a slight infraction of the rules
My parents told me not to fight
They also said to “do what’s right”
And someone has to stand up to this bully
And show him the light
He’s pushing little kids around
Knocking them right to the ground
And there is no adult around
To settle everybody down right
Refrain:
I will defend the small
I will defend the weak
I will take the bully’s punches
I will defend the young
I will defend the meek
Now give them back their lunches
Leave those kids alone
I know that I should walk away
But this is real this is not play
So I will stay and do my best
To make this bully take a rest…
From putting down and posturing
Punching, poking, punishing
Pushing, hitting, puncturing
Shouting, spitting, pummeling and yes…
Refrain:
I stood up to him and got knocked down
He shoved my face into the ground
Now my mouth is full of dirt
My pride is hurt but it could be worse
A teacher saw me start the fight
I guess it wasn’t very bright
But I would do it all again
And gladly do my time in detention
Copyright 2007 by 4-E Productions. ASCAP. All Rights Reserved.
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