Jan - Apr 23
In2 Darlington 2023
Continuing the project from last year, I once again worked with year 6 pupils from Northwood, Firthmoor and Corporation Road Primary Schools in Darlington to write a song about leaving school. This time round, Backchat Brass were on the recordings themselves, which made for even more raucous energy!
PRODUCER - KATE JAMES / DARLINGTON COUNTY COUNCIL
VIDEOGRAPHER - ANDY BERRIMAN
Northwood Primary:
‘Game of Life’
-
Just the other day
I woke up feeling nervous (with questions on my mind)
My new school has a pool
But will I get detention?
So I took my time machine
Time travelled to the future (To ask my older self)
Did I reach my goals?
Am I shining like a star? (And this is what they said)
Think of all the things that make you stronger
It’ll feel like weights lifting off your shoulders
I’m the older you take it from me!
This world is tough but so are we!
Treat your new school like a space adventure
Flash forward to today
I’m no longer far away
I’ll meet new friends to play
And I’ll remember this is the game of life so don’t give up
I’m feeling good and treading my own path
I’ll push myself to be the best I can be
I’m part of a crew now I’m never alone
We learn through failure just as much as through success
Think of all the things that make you stronger
It’ll feel like weights lifting off your shoulders
I’m the older you, take it from me!
This world is tough, but so are we!
Treat your new school like a space adventure
Corporation Road Primary Leavers
(aka The Undefeatables)
Switch Gear
-
I’m outside the gates thinking
Will I make new mates yeah
Am I up to date?
I mustn’t make a mistake
I gotta do what it takes
It’s time to show them I’m great
It’s ok if I feel nervous - it serves a natural purpose
With all the memories I’ve collected
I feel like I’m protected
I’ll expect the unexpected
But I know I’ll be okay
I’ll say yes to all the good
And no thanks to all the bad
Every day I’ll stay strong
Cos I’m choosing my own path
I’ve gone from the oldest to the youngest
Feels like I’m flying through a wormhole to the other side
But it’s ok cos I’m heading for the future
With new hopes and new fears and new friends I’ll shift gear!
Listen to your heart and face your fears
Cos we are all the same right through the years
Don’t be overthinking things too much
Finish what you started don’t give up
Learn from your mistakes, you’re not alone
I’ve gone from the oldest to the youngest
Feels like I’m flying through a wormhole to the other side
But it’s ok cos I’m heading for the future
With new hopes and new fears and new friends I’ll shift gear!
Firthmoor Primary School:
‘Better Than it Seems’
-
My new school’s big just like a bear
No wonder me and my friends are scared
Primary school just doesn’t compare
I’m getting worried that everyone will stare
Don’t wanna be lost!
Don’t wanna be lost!
How much will lunch cost?
Cos its a big big change for me
Is this all a dream? Or is it a meme?
Me and my friends are a brand new team
There’s no detention, when I focus my attention
Work hard play hard it's better than it seems
It’s better than it seems
It’s better than it seems
Work hard play hard it is better than it seems
A lot is gonna happen but I will make it through
And new friends will come to me right out of the blue
Things will get better, cos they always do
I think I’ve found my mojo…
…And I’ll never be lost
I’ll never be lost!
I know how much it costs
Cos it’s a simple change for me
Is this all a dream? Or is it a meme?
Me and my friends are a brand new team
There’s no detention, when I focus my attention
Work hard play hard it is better than it seems
It’s better than it seems
It’s better than it seems
Work hard play hard it is better than it seems
