If We Are The Future

"If We Are The Future", written and performed by the teens of VIEW with Lara Ruggles.

VIEW is an arts and outreach youth program led by Lara Ruggles at TEENS, Inc. Youth and Family Center. www.teensinc.org

This year, the teens of VIEW made it their mission to write and record a song about education and what needs to change in our current system, and to make a music video of the song. This is that music video, written, directed, filmed and edited by youth.

Please pass it on - the more widely this is shared, the more of a positive difference we can make!

Lyrics:

If I am the future then don't laugh in my face
When I say straight up that I've got a dream I'm gonna chase
And I know you may be thinking that I won't get far
But I don't need a lot of money, a big house or a car
To be happy, to see clearly through my eyes
I need freedom to decide what I want in my life
I need trust that I'll choose a path that feels right
But I'm being too polite, 'cause I've got something to say
Why are we learning about the past and not the present day
It's been burning in me, I understand the importance of history
But gee, I wanna confront the man and be like
"We're experiencing history firsthand!"
Educate us on the current day, so maybe tomorrow
We can go out and make a change

Chorus:
If we are the future
We need futuristic tools
If we are the future
Let's build this house on dreams not rules
If we are the future
Let us be the ones to choose
If we are the future
If we are the future

Four hours of homework just to prove they taught us
And they wonder why we rebel and fight against their causes
All this stress, all these demands
Too many papers and tests for me to handle
Piles of books, pages and pages of work
Teachers' dirty looks can sometimes hurt
When we spend all this time on things we don't need
How are we supposed to decide our dreams
How are we supposed to set our goals
When we're in too strong of a hold, not supposed to break the mold
And just go with the flow
So much to do, I'm being pushed to the brink
When all I need is some time to think
I'll learn what I need when I need it
But right now, I've got a dream and I need time to dream it

Chorus

What are we waiting for?
Our vision's clear and bright
What are we waiting for?
We've got the strength to fight
What are we waiting for?
There's nothing left to lose
What are we waiting for?
We need the chance to choose

When all is said and done
Who will be accountable?
When all is said and done
We are the ones we've been waiting for

Teachers we respect the work that you do
Even though it's hard for us to see your point of view
We understand you follow rules just like we do
We know sometimes school is a test for you too
You start with so much passion then it fades to dust
When you work 60-hour weeks and don't get paid enough
But put your heart into the classroom even though it's rough
It's the only way to win over a crowd like us

Chorus

Category:

Music

Tags:

• If we are the future
• VIEW
• teens
• youth
• best song ever
• education
• change
• banjo
• guitar
• mandolin
• fiddle
• hip-hop
• bluegrass
• future
• activism
• Colorado
• Nederland
• TEENS Inc
• youth empowerment
• future of education
• Lara Ruggles
• education reform
• Emma Quarterman
• Dennon Jones
• Kaitlyn Luers
• Jess Ousley
• we are
• the future

[bobbijoe1]

great job lara miss being part of view.......all of you guys did A greatttt job

[imbenjammin1254]

well done you guys, you're cute too ;)

[pokelover02]

good job. good message

[Vickie2357]

Great song, love the lyrics!

[DustinSmith08]

Amazing!!!!

[vdiscdaddy]

Great Song, love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[debsbeautifullife1]

so totally amazed by the people that you are right now. good job. sharing....

[kristindconrad]

oh, man! I have tears in my eyes! posting this to facebook now... great job!

[sharonsoars]

Wow you guys!!! AWESOME!!!!! I LOVED this! What a great job! Beautiful...

[sunkingchainsawart]

Cool.