This Song Is My Homework

This Song Is My Homework
by John Forster & Tom Chapin
© 2003 Limousine Music Co. & The Last Music Co. (ASCAP)

It seemed pretty easy and totally cool
When Mister Carlucci assigned it in school:
A personal story in the form of a song.
You don’t have to rhyme it. It needn’t be lengthy.

A week ago Monday this assignment seemed fun,
But it’s midnight on Sunday, I haven’t begun.
The rest of the family has all gone to bed,
I’m here in the kitchen, not a thought in my head.
This song is my homework. Tomorrow it’s due.
I need an idea, I haven’t a clue.
I could have, I should have, I didn’t, instead
I waited and waited and waited and waited.
I’m dead!

Carlucci says, "Writing is best when it’s true.
The trick is to write what you know
Through and through."
My brother said, "Wow. This song will be short!"
Thanks for the help, Mister Show Of Support!
This song is my homework. But what’s it about?
I’m starting to panic. My time’s running out.
I could have, I should have, I didn’t, instead
I waited and waited and waited and waited.
I’m dead!

Too little! Too late!
Why oh why oh why did I wait?
Got nothing but junk!
I’ll show up tomorrow
And much to my sorrow I’ll flunk!

Wait! Here’s an idea. Hey, how ’bout a song
’Bout a homework assignment
Gone horribly wrong?
’Bout a kid up at midnight who feels like a jerk.
It’s something I know. Hey, I think it could work!
This song is my homework,
My homework’s this song.
Turns out I’ve been doing the job all along,
Researching the world of a true slugabed.
Who waited and waited and procrastinated,
He’s dead!

This song is my homework.
My homework’s this song.
I guess I’ve been writing a song all along.
This song is my homework. I hope it’s all right.
I did it. I’m finished. I’m tired.
Carlucci, good night!

This song appears on Tom Chapin's Making Good Noise CD.

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