These promising vocalists performed the winning entries of the KidNews songwriting contest.
Andraya P., 16, Chicago
Favorite musical group: Maxwell,Janet Jackson
Favorite food: Fruit
Favorite subject: Math
I joined The Happiness Club because: I wanted to make a difference for kids my age.
If I could change anything in the world, I would: Create more Happiness Clubs so kids could explore their individuality through their talent.
My biggest pet peeve is: When my mother doesn’t let me drive her car.
When I grow up I want to be: Engineer
Barrie B., 16, Flossmoor
Favorite musical group: Boyz II Men, Maxwell, Wanya Morris
Favorite food: Grandmother’s corn bread
Favorite subject: History
I joined The Happiness Club because: I love music, performing and the people in the group.
If I could change anything in the world, I would: Eliminate racism.
My biggest pet peeve is: When people aren’t themselves.
When I grow up I want to be: Producer/composer/performer
Folin P., 14, Oak Park
Favorite musical group/artist: Mariah Carey
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite subject: Chorus, Science
I joined The Happiness Club because: I like to sing and dance, and I like the message the club is giving out to kids.
If I could change anything in the world, I would: Want people to be nice to each other and communicate more.
My biggest pet peeve is: When I’m forgetful.
When I grow up I want to be: Doctor or singer
Jazmin P., 13, Chicago
Favorite musical group/artist: Mariah Carey
Favorite food: Spaghetti
Favorite subject: History
I joined The Happiness Club because: I love to perform, and I love the message and everyone in the group.
If I could change anything in the world, I would: Help the homeless and eliminate drugs and violence.
My biggest pet peeve is: When people lie.
When I grow up I want to be: Singer
Justin B., 17, Chicago
Favorite musical group/artist: Stevie Wonder, Peabo Bryson
Favorite food: Pizza
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Favorite subject: Spanish
I joined The Happiness Club because: To take on the challenge of reaching kids on their level, through music and singing.
If I could change anything in the world, I would: Eliminate poverty.
My biggest pet peeve is: When people lie.
When I grow up I want to be: Singing superstar
Elana S., 8, Chicago
Favorite musical group/artist: Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys
Favorite food: Cheesecake
Favorite subject: Drama
I joined The Happiness Club because: I like to sing, dance and share our group’s positive message with other kids.
If I could change anything in the world, I would: Stop gangs and violence.
My biggest pet peeve is: When people are mean and bossy.
When I grow up I want to be: Movie star
Robin C., 16, Merrillville, Ind.
Favorite musical group/artist: Bernadette Peters, Boyz II Men, Madonna
Favorite food: Ketchup on everything!
Favorite subject: English
I joined The Happiness Club because: Music is the perfect way to express what I’m feeling.
If I could change anything in the world, I would: Stop racism.
My biggest pet peeve is: There are not enough hours in the day.
When I grow up I want to be: Broadway star
THE WINNING ENTRIES
JELLY
By Sam R., 12, New Lenox
If I was grape jelly
Purple, you see
What do you think would become of me?
I’d have a good job and a nice house
I’d live better than a mouse
’cause I’m jelly
I don’t want to brag
I don’t want to boast
But man do I taste good on a piece of toast
I just lie down flat on the bread
And go through the mouth of the human head
’cause I’m jelly
When the work day’s over
I don’t have to go far
To get back home to my jelly jar
I’ll stay home in the fridge with the wife and kid
Go to bed when you put on the lid…
Good night, jelly
LOVES ME
By Maggie S., 13, LaGrange
I got home from school one day
and Mommy looked mad
I felt the pain and wondered
what I’d done that was bad
But it’s OK
Mommy had a bad day
Kids to feed, jobs to do, bills to pay
CHORUS: Mommy says she loves me
I know it must be true
Sometimes she’s nice to me
But those days are few
(repeat)
Daddy stayed out late with his friends and I knew
I should have run to the basement
Too many times I’ve learned the hard way
what the look on his face meant
But it’s OK
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I’ll pay the price
Someone’s gotta lose here
I guess I’ll make the sacrifice
CHORUS: Daddy says he loves me
I know it must be true
Sometimes he’s nice to me
But those days are few
(repeat)
But it’s OK
I’ll pay the price
Someone’s gotta lose here
I guess I’ll make the sacrifice
REPEAT CHORUSES
Yeah, he loves me
And she must too
They love me
They just don’t know how to show it
A ROCKAFELLA
By Tom P., 13, LaGrange and Steve R., 13, Willow Springs
REFRAIN: You don’t have to be a Rockafella to help a person out, uh huh
With love and dedication, we can help the people out
You don’t have to be a Rockafella to help a person out, uh huh
With love and dedication, we can help the people out of life’s ruts
It may be a relative who needs your help
Or a friend, or a neighbor, or somebody else
The poor are the first that come to mind
’cause they always seem to be having hard times
REFRAIN
You can help out at the soup kitchen, way down the street
Or give a person $5 to buy something to eat
You could help build a Habitat home for a homeless family to keep
Or support the B.E.D.S. program so the needy have somewhere to sleep
REFRAIN
BRIDGE: This is what life is all about
Helping others (c’mon let’s go)
This is what life is all about
It’s the greatest satisfaction you will ever know
Now back to your family, neighbors and friends
Who always stand by you until the end
They may need encouragement, they may need your time
The important thing is that you help them get out of their grind
REFRAIN
You don’t have to be a Rockafella to help a person out
All you’ve got to do is plant that seed of good and hope it will sprout
———-
If you think you’re about as musically inclined as a fish (not very), but still think it’d be neat to have your own original song, you’re in luck – if you have 60 bucks.
The California company Song For You will do the work for you. Just call their toll-free number and an operator will take down details you want in your song. Let’s say Grandma is turning 98 and you want to talk about the time she swam the English Channel in your song. No problem, spokesman Michael Cooperman says: “You get to make up your own song that’s specific to you, to a date, to a time.”
Then professional singers, musicians and song writers take it from there. In about two weeks, you’ll get a CD in a gift box. For more info, call Song For You at 800-789-7664 or go to www.songforyou.com.