After much anticipation, I am happy to share with all of you the lyrics of the inspiring song that came from the hearts and minds of the passionate Palestinian youth. With the amazing translating skills of Mohammad and Hisham, rap workshop leaders from Dheisheh refugee camp, we now have the musical narrative of the youth's experiences in school.
Though it was saddening to hear of the pressure felt by the youth in school, it was even more so inspiring to realize the desire of the children to transform their schools to be as enlightening and empowering as possible. As Mark Twain once said, "Never let formal education get in the way of your learning."
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| Ahmad from Dheisheh camp while recording verse 1 |
Though it was saddening to hear of the pressure felt by the youth in school, it was even more so inspiring to realize the desire of the children to transform their schools to be as enlightening and empowering as possible. As Mark Twain once said, "Never let formal education get in the way of your learning."
SCHOOL SONG
Verse 1
It’s seven in the
morning, and I’m awake
I get dressed, I
wash my face, and I brush my teeth
I put my shoes on
I start running so
that I’m not late
Scared of the
teacher
He’ll scold and
punish me due to my violation
Instead of teaching
me respect
He insults me saying,
‘you’re a donkey!’
That’s how the
school day starts
The first class is
pressure
The second class is
pressure
The third class is
pressure
And suppression on
my chest
Verse 2
I am waiting for
the break
It’s a chance to
breathe
In the class you
just sit
Not allowed to
state your opinion
Not allowed to
express your ideas
You’re told to just
close your mouth
It’s a system of
indoctrination
Is this type of
learning for my benefit?
Or is the benefit
for someone else?
If the manner of
the teacher makes me hate history and science
Then teacher, teach
us mathematics
Do not treat us
like animals
Encourage us to
study
Encourage us to
understand
Do not create fear
of the courses and exams
Verse 3
I study eleven
different subjects
315 minutes of
school,
but yet no music class?
There are 40
students in the classroom
But not even one
teacher who is fair
I wish for a
teacher who can deal with all levels of learning without distinguishing
I need motivation
to reach my highest intellectual potential
That’s correct that
we don’t have any extracurricular activities
But I truly have
real talents
Take care of these
talents
Develop these
talents
So that one-day,
you and I can celebrate it
We encourage
you to support the youth in their intellectual ambitions and musical
efforts by listening to and purchasing this powerful song at http://musicbus.bandcamp.com/
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