Gary D. Mikolinski
OBJECTIVE
—The students will clarify their idea of what a “family” is.
MATERIALS
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1. A record player.
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2. The record
That’s The Way I’ve Always heard It Should Be
, sung by Carly Simon.
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3. A xeroxed copy of the lyrics to this song for each student and the teacher.
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4. A small table and chairs where one or two students can sit, facing the class.
PROCEDURE
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1. Distribute the words of the song to the students.
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2. Allow the students to read the words to themselves.
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3. Play the song to the class.
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4. Read the words to the song again, orally with the class.
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5. Ask the students to write down their responses to one or two of the following questions:
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A. What is the song about?
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B. What kind of family image do you get from this song?
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C. Does this song describe your parents marriage?
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D. What is your idea of what a family is?
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6. Allow the students to hand in their responses, unsigned.
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7. Pick two volunteers to sit at the table and read aloud the various student responses.
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8. The teacher will act mainly as a facilitator and will encourage students to express their thoughts and beliefs with one another, in an open manner.
THAT’S THE WAY I’VE ALWAYS HEARD IT SHOULD BE
My father sits at night with no lights on;
his cigarette glows in the dark.
The living room is still;
I walk by no remark.
I tiptoe past the master bedroom where
My mother reads her magazines.
I hear her call “sweet dreams”,
but I forget how to dream.
But you say it’s time we moved in together,
raised a family of our own you and me.
Well that’s the way I’ve always heard it should be,
you went to marry me—we’ll marry—
My friends from college they’re all married now;
they have their houses and their lawns.
They have their silent noons; tearful nights;
angry dawns.
Their children hate them for the things they’re not.
They hate themselves for what they are.
And yet they drink they laugh,
close the wound, hide the scar.
But you say it’s time we moved in together,
raised a family of our own you and me.
Well that’s the way I’ve always heard it should be,
you want to marry me—we’ll marry—
You say that we can keep our love alive,
Babe, all I know is what I see.
The couples cling and claw, and drown
in love’s debris.
You say we’ll soar like two birds through the clouds,
but soon you’ll cage me on your shelf.
I’ll never learn to be just me first—
by myself.
But you say it’s time we moved in together,
raised a family of our own you and me.
We’ll that’s the way I’ve always heard it should be,
you want to marry me—we’ll marry—
Carly Simon & Jacob Brackman. Copyright 1971, Quackenbush/Kensho Music. Used by permission. All rights reserved
