Barry and Sally’s Hall of Fame acceptance speech (This is my tribe) inspired the following song, by Kathleen Sloan. We love it and it has become part of the opening ceremonies for FKO.
Copyright 2004 by Kathleen Sloan
Lyrics posted with permission of the author
Do you remember back when we were kids?
We were artists and dancers and musicians all
We sang because we needed to, we danced because it gave us joy
(We) made art to share our very selves with the world
Then as we grew older it became very clear
Not all of us were good enough to make the grade
Our singing was sometimes off key, our dancing had a few mis-steps
Our art was judged a bit too odd to share with the world (but we can)
Chorus:
Take it back! Take it back!
Take back the right to sing and play
It will fill your heart, it will feed your soul
When you take back the right to sing and play!
Bridge:
In a dozen other countries, no matter your age
You’re encouraged and expected to create
Here in the west we’ve been robbed of that choice
Come join our revolution, we’ve found our own solution
You’re all invited to participate! (when we)
Chorus
We have broken the rules, we have carved out this space
Where skill is not the only measure of our worth
We’re free to sing in circles here and dance if the spirit calls
Make art once again and share ourselves with the world
Chorus
Welcome to our diverse little clan
Don’t worry you’re not good enough, come grow with us
We’ll help you with your melody, we’ll catch you if you trip and fall
We’ll celebrate the art you choose to share with the world! (we will)
Chorus
Take it back! Take it back!
Take back the right to sing and play
It will fill your heart, it will feed your soul
When you take back the right to sing and play!
Take it back! Take it back!
Take back the right to sing and play
It will fill your heart, it will feed your soul
When you take back the right to sing and play and make art
Take back the right to sing and play