Take It Back

Kathleen Sloan

When MEW first heard the song she made the observation that “the song doesn’t have the word filk in it anywhere, and yet we all know it is about us.”

I sang the song in open filk at an OVFF. One of Sally’s Wild Mercy bandmates heard it, followed me out in the hall with her computer and said “would you sing that into my computer so I can record it? My friend Sally would really like that song!”

I sang the song in Germany and wasn’t quite sure if it would translate culturally. Boy did it translate. One filker came up to me and told me how much it meant to her because she had “taken it back” and learned to play the drums as an adult when her music teachers told her as a child she had no talent. I was asked to repeat the song during the conventions request concert and asked her to play the drum along with me on it.

At FKO, where artist Heather Bruton was a special guest I had opened the convention with the song. I happened to be sitting next to her and she complimented me on the song. I told her what MEW had said about it not having the word filk in it, yet we all know it is about us. Heather said “really, I thought it was a song about artists. “ I have never been so proud! -- Kathleen Sloan

Take it Back

Copyright ©2004 by Kathleen Sloan
Lyrics posted by 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