The Book Song by Writers' Exchange

THE BOOK SONG LYRICS OF LOVE FOR STRATHCONA

Snow Day by Judah and Tristan Glued Tight to Strathcona by Anonymous The Man Song by Alex It’s Strathcona by Beck, Jeremy and Teo Strathcona by Aaliya Green by H’mlack, Jack, Jennifer and Vincent When I’m Done by Karrie and Veeco Strath by Logan and Sogand I’m Coming Back by Anne We’re the Students of Strathcona by Shae and Tayler What About Strath by Anita, E.B. and T.F. No Cats by Doris Strath Kid by Noel Welcome to Strathcona by Caden

BY THE KIDS OF DIVISION 4

Copyright © 2018 The Writers’ Exchange This book was created by Division 4, Mr. Larson’s grade 6/7 class, at Strathcona Elementary in the fall of 2017. The Writers’ Exchange gets inner-city kids excited about reading and writing through mentoring and creative writing projects like this chapbook. All Writers’ Exchange programs are free for the children and families we serve, so we could not exist without the support of amazing donors, including Marily Mearns, Social Venture Partners Vancouver, Linda Louis, the Waterbury Foundation, Bernard MacLeod, the City of Vancouver, Megan Abbott, the Grayross Foundation held at the Vancouver Foundation, Richard and Suzanne Cole, Nancy and Ted Maitland, BPS Wealth Management at CIBC Wood Gundy, John and Nina Cassils, Judy Gale, Lynn and Gene Gerwing, Lindsay Mearns, the Sasamat Foundation, Pep and Bev Lough, the Edith Lando Charitable Foundation, Mark Tindle and Leslie Cliff and the Wolrige Foundation. Thank you.

As an author of a Writers’ Exchange book, you are invited to sign up for our FREE after-school and summer programs at the Writers’ Exchange home base at 881 East Hastings Street. We run programs for kids in grades 1 to 12. Ask your teacher for a signup sheet, go to vancouverWE.com or call Jennifer at 604-428-8228 for more information.

881 East Hastings Vancouver, BC V6A 1R8 vancouverWE.com Please join us in acknowledging that we live, work, learn and play on the traditional lands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Coast Salish people. Writers’ Exchange mentors: Emma, Katharine, Solare, Stacey and Wendy Cover design: Gerilee McBride; layout: Matthew Gruman, gruman.co Production coordination and editing: Melissa Edwards Creative lead: Jennifer MacLeod

The Wolrige Foundation support Writers’ Exchange in-school projects.

generously donated the printing of this chapbook.

The Book Song lyrics of love for strathcona

by the kids of division 4

About This Book

This songwriting project was about making new lyrics for existing songs. The new songs we wrote are about Strathcona, both the school and the community. We’re basically saying what our school is about, but not in a serious way. These lyrics are full of excitement, and if you’re not from Strath, you will think that our school is really lucky, and that we’re glad we have the Writers’ Exchange.

The Book Song Lyrics of Love for Strathcona Snow Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 by Judah and Tristan

Strath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 by Logan and Sogand

Glued Tight to Strathcona . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 by Anonymous

I’m Coming Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 by Anne

The Man Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 by Alex

We’re the Students of Strathcona . . . . 14 by Shae and Tayler

It’s Strathcona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 by Beck, Jeremy and Teo

What About Strath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 by Anita, E.B. and T.F.

Strathcona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 by Aaliya

No Cats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 by Doris

Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 by H’mlack, Jack, Jennifer and Vincent

Strath Kid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 by Noel

When I’m Done . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 by Karrie and Veeco

Welcome to Strathcona . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 by Caden

Snow Day by Judah and Tristan Set to the melody of “Praying” by Kesha

Well winter’s coming soon All the summer geese are leaving soon, too Oh, after all the leaves are down I can feel the wind coming ’round ’Cause you brought me to school But I didn’t want to go I had to learn how to add and subtract And we both know all the things that I know I’ll just say this: I wish it would snow I wish that it was snowing, snowing ’Cause then school would not be going, going I hope I find my shovel Falling in the snow, playing I am proud of who I am No more teachers, I can see again And you said that I had to gooooo Well you were wrong And now the best is yet to come ’Cause I can make my own snowmen I don’t need school I’ve found a hill with piles of snow I’ll find my mittens and you bring the sled Let’s call our friends to play again—

I don’t need school I’ve found a hill with lots of snow You bring the cookies and I’ll bring the milk And all our jackets are made out of silk And we can race till snow gets in our face I hope it’s gonna snow more, snow more I don’t want to go home, home I love this place I never want to stop playing, playing I hope it’s gonna snow more, snow more I don’t want to go home, home I love this place I never want to stop playing, playing

Glued Tight to Strathcona by Anonymous Set to the melody of “Carousel” by Melanie Martinez Welcome everyone, to Strathcona It’s kind of nice, but not really Oh, just run away while you still can ’Cause it’s scary at this school

And it’s all fun and games Until someone assigns homework But you’ve already got the work So there’s no turning back now

Round and round we run from the Teachers all day, will all My grades go down?

Round and round we run from the Teachers all day, will all My grades go down? I can never tell I know running away from you Is like a nightmare But I feel like I’m glued on tight to Strathcona Now we need Starbucks We’re almost there So close, so close To a Frappuccino But right when We’re there It all disappears Into thin air Where’d you go?

I can never tell, I know running away from you Is like a nightmare But I feel like I’m glued on tight to Strathcona Why did you steal my Starbucks? You threw it in the trash and now I’m crying so much And now I’m running, running, running Round and round we run from the Teachers all day, will all My grades go down? I can never tell, I know I’m Running

The Man Song by Alex Set to the melody of “The Duck Song” by Bryant Oden

A man walked up to Strathcona school And he said to the man running the school “Hey! (bum bum bum) Got any advice?” The principal said “No we don’t, we give education But it’s good and it’s easy to learn Can I get you a job?” The man said, “I’ll pass” Then he walked away (step, step) Till the very next day Bum bum bum bum ba bada bum When a man walked up to Strathcona school And he said to the man running the school “Hey! (bum bum bum) Got any advice?” The principal said, “Like I said yesterday We just give education, ok? Why not give education a try?” The man said, “I’ll pass” Then he walked away (step, step) ×3 Till the very next day Bum bum bum bum ba bada bum

When the man walked up to Strathcona school And he said to the man running the school “Hey! (bum bum bum) Got any advice?” The principal said, “Look, this is getting old I mean, education is all we’ve ever sold Why not give it a try?” The man said, “How ’bout no” Then he walked away (step, step) ×3 Till the very next day Bum bum bum bum ba bada bum When the man walked up to Strathcona school And he said to the man running the school “Hey! (bum bum bum) Got any advice?” The principal said, “That’s it! If you don’t stay away, man I’ll send you to an advice store and I’ll leave you there So don’t get close!” The man said, “Adios” Then he walked away (step, step) ×3 Till the very next day Bum bum bum bum ba bada bum

When the man walked up to Strathcona school And he said to the man running the school “Hey! (bum bum bum) Got any jobs?” “What?” “Got any jobs?” “No, why would I?” “One more question for you: Got any advice?” Bum bum bum bum bum bum And the principal just stopped Then he started to smile He started to laugh He laughed for a while He said, “Come on, man, let’s walk to the store I’ll get you some advice so you won’t ask me anymore” So they walked to the store And he gave some advice But when the man heard it he just said “Hmmmm, no thanks But you know what sounds good and would make my day? Do you think this store ×4 Has any jobs?” Then he walked away (step, step) ×3

It’s Strathcona by Beck, Jeremy and Teo Set to the melody of “Caillou Theme Song” by Sara and Jeff Zahn I’m just a kid at school Each day I learn some more I like my school At Strathcona

I’m just a kid here Each day I see new people I like exploring It’s Strathcona

So many kids are new Each teacher is really nice They’ll teach you everything, they’re teachers

So many things to see Each day I see people So many people In Strathcona

My school is changing, changing each day With seismic upgrades making it stronger every day Everyone is having fun at recess and lunch It’s really fun at Strathcona, Strathcona I’m just a security cam Each day I watch some more The community is really nice It’s Strathcona So many things to see Each person is someone new It will be really fun It’s Strathcona The community is changing, changing each day With laws and stores opening each and every day Everyone is really nice, except after 9 to 5 I’m telling the truth, it’s Strathcona

My life is changing, changing Each day with teachers and staff teaching me every day Walking is not so tough, except when I’ve had enough But my feet are dead In Strathcona, Strathcona, Strathcona It’s Strathcona

Strathcona by Aaliyah Set to the melody of “Believer” by Imagine Dragons Strathcona It’s a wonderful school to go to It’s our life We’re here every day, it’s like our home Ooooooooo It’s like our home Oooooooo We eat here All the food in the cafeteria It’s good, I like it when they bring the food Oooooooo Bring the food Oooooooo I was taught from a young age Learning PE, playing volleyball Playing outside with all my friends Teachers help me, teach me show me stuff I try to help them all, too

Green by H’mlack, Jack, Jennifer and Vincent Set to the melody of “Yellow” by Coldplay Look at the school How proud and tall it stands Look at the beautiful land Yeah, this was all nature … I saw a dog Through the pouring rain From Clark Street then to Main And it was part of nature So then I took a turn Into Starbucks in Chinatown And there ain’t much nature These costs, oh yeah, these costs for homes These homes aren’t cheap or low Do you own? The chance is really low The chance is really low Look at the trees How proud and tall they stand Oh, and the mountains, too ’Cause it was all nature I painted a sign Painted a sign for you Oh, what a thing to do And it’s somehow nature

These costs, oh yeah, these costs for homes These homes, these homes aren’t cheap or low And to own … To own, I’d bleed myself dry To own, I’d bleed myself dry Our land How proud and tall it stands How proud and tall it stands Proud and tall it stands How proud and tall it stands How proud and tall it stands Proud and tall Look at our Strath How proud and tall it stands And the beautiful land …

When I’m Done by Karrie and Veeco Set to the melody of “Cups” by Anna Kendrick I got some homework from Mr. Larson Two pages of English for the day And I sure would like my friends to help me And I’m sure he said it’s due tomorrow When I’m done When I’m done I’m gonna play games with my friends I’m gonna play games at my school I’m gonna play games on my phone I’m gonna play games with my friends When I’m done When I’m done I’m gonna finish more homework I’m gonna go to the lunchroom I’m gonna go to the library I’m gonna finish more homework I got some homework from Mr. Larson The one who is a tall teacher I’ve got mathematics, I’ve got spelling I’ve got reading homework But it’s too much to do, I have to rest

When I’m done When I’m done I’m gonna play games with my friends I’m gonna play games at my school I’m gonna play games on my phone I’m gonna play games with my friends When I’m done When I’m done I’m gonna finish more homework I’m gonna go to the lunchroom I’m gonna go to the library I’m gonna finish more homework When I’m done When I’m done I’m gonna go to Strath park I’m gonna go to the garden I’m gonna play on the monkey bars I’m gonna go to Strath park

Strath by Logan and Sogand Set to the melody of “Believer” by Imagine Dragons First things first The community is full of people I’m happy and excited for the way that things have been Oo oooo The way that things have been Oo oooo Second things second Don’t you tell me what you think the school should be I’m the one who goes to Strath We live close to things Oo oooo We live close to the sea Oo oooo I was happy from the start Leaving Strathcona will be a bum But at least I had lots of fun I like playing volleyball, basketball, hockey and soccer Taking a break from the work Doing my essays and homework I truly hate doing math But I like living in …

Strath! You make me more, you make me more smarter, smarter Strath! I used to be dumb, but now I’m smarter, smarter Strath! Oh let the pencils fly, oh let them rain My pens, my work, my books, they come from … Strath! You made me more, you made me more smarter, smarter

I’m Coming Back by Anne Set to the melody of “Boomerang” by Jojo Siwa I don’t really care about what they say, I’m a come back I’m a come back like a boomerang Oooooh-whoaoooo-ooh Oooooh-whoaoooo-ooh Oooooh-whoaoooo-ooh I’m a come back like a boomerang Oooooh-whoaoooo-ooh Oooooh-whoaoooo-ooh Oooooh-whoaoooo-ooh I’m a come back like my fav ’cause … Bet you they think they can get the worst of me Well not this time of day On the phone like they’re all scared Hide behind the door ’Cause they’re just so scared But we don’t play it like this They don’t even fight back All of their words, they just wash it off Sayin’ we’re fake, yeah, no they’re not Tryin’ to throw off time, but we know how to come back I don’t really care about what they say I’m a come back like a boomerang Won’t let the fakers get their way

I’m a come back like my fav ’cause Oooooh-whoaoooo-ooh Oooooh-whoaoooo-ooh Oooooh-whoaoooo-ooh I’m a come back like a boomerang Oooooh-whoaoooo-ooh Oooooh-whoaoooo-ooh Oooooh-whoaoooo-ooh Trying to make me stop, but I’m climbing to the top Just look how far I’ve gone Bigger, better, faster, stronger Yeah, see I ain’t just a talker

We’re the Students of Strathcona by Shae and Tayler Set to the melody of “Take Me to Church” by Hozier My friend’s got laughter We’re the students of Strathcona Everybody’s approving You should know we’re improving If the teachers ever did speak We’ll trust to the fullest Every one of us is capable Of going to high school

Welcome to Strath! I’ll show you around like this is my life I’ll help you so you go to high school Offer me your time at school Good friend, let me give you my snack

Strath, Strath, Strath, Strath

If I’m thinking of the good times My friends, my sunlight Try keep her on my side She demands me to practice Face the whole school Get something worthful Something ready for the whole school That’s a fine-looking new school This matters more on the inside We’ve got a lot of working students This looks fancy This is plenty This is harder work

Welcome to Strath! I’ll show you around like this is my life I’ll help you so you go to high school Offer me your time at school Good friend, let me give you my snack

Welcome to Strath! I’ll show you around like this is my life I’ll help you so you go to high school Offer me your time at school Good friend, let me give you a snack

We are all smart Heard them say it My teachers say we’re all smart They tell me to work harder The only time I want to leave Is when I have a sickness We are all smart and we love it Command me to practice

Welcome to Strath! I’ll show you around like this is my life I’ll help you so you go to high school Offer me your time at school Good friend, let me give you a snack No rulers or bullies when the school bell rings There’s no sweeter students then at our Strath school There’s no madness or fights in this school scene Only then I am learning Only then I am smart Strath, Strath, Strath Welcome to Strath! I’ll show you around like this is my life I’ll help you so you go to high school Offer me your time at school Good friend, let me give you my snack Welcome to Strath! I’ll show you around like this is my life I’ll help you so you go to high school Offer me your time at school Good friend, let me give you my love

What About Strath by Anita, E.B. and T.F. Set to the melody of “What About Us” by Pink

We are children, we are educated We are learning, English, math and PE We are billions of beautiful minds Our school is big, and it’s Strathcona What about us What about all the hot, sunny days of summer What about us What about all the leaves that fall down in November What about us What about all the snow that falls in December What about lunch, what about books What about us We are trees that want to be saved We are saplings that need to be fed We were hungry, we came when you called But teacher tricked us, lunch is 12:10

What about us What about all the hot, sunny days of summer What about us What about all the leaves that fall down in November What about us What about all the snow that falls in December What about lunch, what about books What about us Oh, what about us What about all the buildings in Strathcona What about kids, what about school What about Strath Books and plants, they are in our class Are you reading? I am reading It’s time for class, go and do your work Are you reading? I am reading I don’t want bullies to take control Are you reading? I am reading ’Cause we don’t want bullies in here We are reading, what about you?

What about us What about all the hot, sunny days of summer What about us What about all the leaves that fall down in â&#x20AC;&#x192;November What about us What about all the snow that falls in December What about lunch, what about books What about us What about teams What about sports What about school What about staff What about Strath What about us

No Cats by Doris Set to the melody of “Solo Dance” by Martin Jensen In this weird world Strathcona appeared Like a special place In my heart Strathcona showed us how To make nice friends But those are friends I don’t need All I need in the life of mine, mine Is for my report card to shine, shine When I’m feeling school is hard I lose control And I go Home, home, home, home, home And sleep with my teddy Just wanna sleep and eat Sleep and eat But I have school now I know I have homework But who cares ’cause I do not I do not I do not

In this weird class I meet some new nice friends But they all ran away from me ’cause They don’t think that dogs rule I’m sad, sad, sad And sad, sad, sad, sad Why don’t people think dogs rule That dogs rule But I still like Strathcona school

Strath Kid by Noel Set to the melody of “Stitches” by Sean Mendes

I think that my school is the best Because we can play on the monkey bars My school is called Strathcona And I’ve been here since I was five years old

In the summer I jump on trampolines And I really like to do front flips In the fall it’s time to jump in leaves It’s fun

It was scary when I was so young here Because I didn’t know anyone’s name in here Now I’m older and I know everyone here And I like it

The teachers are really nice to me I’m happy that the teachers are nice to me And I want to learn about everything I don’t know about

The teachers are really nice to me I’m happy that the teachers are nice to me And I want to learn about everything I don’t know about At lunch I go play basketball And I play even when it’s raining outside The ball goes in a puddle I pick it up and play more We play bump till someone’s out

Welcome to Strathcona by Caden Set to the melody of “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons I am going to Strathcona It has a school with many students I see lots of corner stores I am walking by the nice streets Looking at the houses There it is, Strathcona school Whoa It’s pretty big, it’s being seismically Upgraded by the government Welcome to Strathcona, to Strathcona Welcome to Strathcona, to Strathcona Whoa oh oh oh oh, whoa oh oh oh oh I’m in Strathcona, I’m in Strathcona Whoa oh oh oh oh, whoa oh oh oh oh I’m in Strathcona, I’m in Strathcona I decide to play in MacLean Park It has a small playground with a water park And a field, too Whoa I am walking by the nice streets Looking at the houses There it is, Strathcona school Whoa

It’s pretty big, it’s being seismically Upgraded by the government Welcome to Strathcona, to Strathcona Welcome to Strathcona, to Strathcona Whoa oh oh oh oh, whoa oh oh oh oh I’m in Strathcona, I’m in Strathcona Whoa oh oh oh oh, whoa oh oh oh oh I’m in Strathcona, I’m in Strathcona I have nearly seen all of Strathcona It’s a nice place and has lots of things I am going home I hope I see Strathcona again, it’s a nice place I’m leaving Strathcona, leaving Strathcona I’m leaving Strathcona, leaving Strathcona Whoa oh oh oh oh, whoa oh oh oh oh I hope I come back I hope I come back Whoa oh oh oh oh, whoa oh oh oh oh I hope I come back I hope I come back