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!

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