Ok, so satire aside for a moment, I wrote the lyrics below with Jimmy Wayne in mind. Jimmy is walking across the American south to bring attention to the plight of homeless youth who've aged out of the foster system. His journey is called "Meet Me Halfway" and it inspired my lyrics. Alas, he's quite capable of writing his own. I've been sharing these anyway and some young, aspiring musicians are putting them to music to "make a beautiful song." Hope you enjoy them too. If you aren't already supporting Jimmy, please check him out.
We have empathy for Jimmy's efforts because my husband was raised in the foster care system in Ontario, Canada. He and his next older brother had everything they needed, except love, encouragement and opportunity. They were used as servants in their foster home, but weren't taught how to use a lawn mower, much less drive a car, so their skills were minimal. College was an unreachable dream in their youth. My husband left his foster home at 17, but only because his brother already had a factory job and had bought a house. He was lucky, and he knows it. If not for his brother, he doesn't know where he would have gone. They were both still kids, thrust into the world to manage the best they could, though unprepared on so many levels. Their foster "mom" even charged them for their much-used beds when they left.
However, while we passionately empathize with Jimmy's cause, we will not send money. We have sent money to Haiti and Zimbabwe, to our Plan foster child, and we support Free the Children, Unicef and War Amps as well. But we will not send my husband's hard-earned Canadian dollars to the U.S. to change their antiquated and unjust laws. This is something that Americans will have to do themselves. So, Americans! Heads up! Check out Jimmy Wayne, MMH.
If They Only Had Wings
If she only had wings she could fly outta here.
Nevermind the pouring rain, her empty stomach or her fear.
Shivering in the darkness though the others are near,
She just wants wings ~ she just wants wings.
If he only had a chance, he'd fly right outta here.
In the shelter of this bridge, his dreams seem very clear.
Food from a garbage can, some change ~ he's in the clear,
If he just had wings ~ if he only had wings.
If they only had wings, this time they could fly.
If they just had wings, tell the misery goodbye.
Running again from pain and fear ~ no need to cry ~ don't cry
If they just had wings ~ if they only had wings.
They gaze up to the angry sky and huddle against the rain.
He still has some fading hope, despite the burning pain.
They could be stars or artists ~ could find their way to fame.,
If they just had wings ~ if they only had wings.
Rising in the shivering dawn, they know they have to move.
They wander up the dirty streets trying to find some food.
She is chilled right to the bone; he is needing better shoes
If they just had wings ~ if they only had wings.
If they only had wings, this time they could fly.
If they just had wings, tell the misery goodbye.
Running again from pain and fear ~ no need to cry ~ don't cry
If they just had wings ~ If they only had wings ~
If they only just had wings.
If she only had wings she could fly outta here.
Nevermind the pouring rain, her empty stomach or her fear.
Shivering in the darkness though the others are near,
She just wants wings ~ she just wants wings.
If he only had a chance, he'd fly right outta here.
In the shelter of this bridge, his dreams seem very clear.
Food from a garbage can, some change ~ he's in the clear,
If he just had wings ~ if he only had wings.
If they only had wings, this time they could fly.
If they just had wings, tell the misery goodbye.
Running again from pain and fear ~ no need to cry ~ don't cry
If they just had wings ~ if they only had wings.
They gaze up to the angry sky and huddle against the rain.
He still has some fading hope, despite the burning pain.
They could be stars or artists ~ could find their way to fame.,
If they just had wings ~ if they only had wings.
Rising in the shivering dawn, they know they have to move.
They wander up the dirty streets trying to find some food.
She is chilled right to the bone; he is needing better shoes
If they just had wings ~ if they only had wings.
If they only had wings, this time they could fly.
If they just had wings, tell the misery goodbye.
Running again from pain and fear ~ no need to cry ~ don't cry
If they just had wings ~ If they only had wings ~
If they only just had wings.
NOTE: Date showing on post is date of this blog. Song lyrics written by Wendakai in April 2010, dated appropriately on personal blog and on paper sent by registered mail to self, unopened. Permissions were granted to some young musicians to make a song. Lyrics written for Jimmy Wayne for lyricist credit only. Permissions required for anyone else. Hope this clears up any questions.
Wendakai, June 18, 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment