Now more than ever, young people need opportunities to express themselves. Song Academy has revolved around the tagline ‘Express Yourself’ since being founded 12 years ago, so writing a song called ‘Express Yourself’ felt like a good way to empower young people to speak up, express themselves, believe in themselves, connect with their generation and be part of the conversation shaping their future.
Proceeds from ‘Express Yourself’ will be donated to Young Minds, the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health. ‘Express Yourself’ is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and more! Go and check it out!
As Fraser T Smith (Songwriter, Producer and Song Academy Young Songwriter 2021 judge) says “With so much going on in the world, it’s never been more vital for young people to be able to channel their energy and emotions into something positive, which is what The Young Songwriter competition encourages and facilitates through songwriting. Every young person has something to say, a story to tell, or a message to share – that’s why Song Academy is so important to our community.”
The lyrics and melodies of “Express Yourself’ were written by several members of the Song Academy community and fine tuned by some of the Song Academy young ambassadors and Song Academy team.
Songwriters: From the Song Academy community: Eddie Atkins, Francesca Morison, Rosie McWilliams, Ciara Mill, Daisy Peacock, Rowan Scourfield, Judah Venable & Jonathan Young
Song Academy Young Ambassadors: Sebastian Croft, Gus Harrower, Cassa Jackson, Kevin Jones, Miriam Nyarko, Jenk Oz, Joshua Shea
Singers: Eddie Atkins, Gus Harrower, Cassa Jackson, Francesca Morison, Rosie McWilliams, Ciara Mill, Miriam Nyarko, Daisy Peacock, Rowan Scourfield, Joshua Shea, Judah Venable, Max Elliot & Jonathan Young
Guitars, Keyboards and Programming: Max Elliot
Guitars and Bass: Rowan Scourfield
Additional Production, Mixing and Mastering: Sam Cramer
LYRICS
EXPRESS YOURSELF
Verse 1
Speak up, you’ve got something to say
Time is passing every single day
Don’t be afraid of your reflection
Aim for growth and not perfection
Verse 2
Shout it out don’t just store it away
The stars in you could get lost in space
When you don’t know how you feel
Just know that it’s OK to reveal
Pre Chorus
It don’t matter where you come from
But it matters who you are
Don’t lose your motivation
Ain’t no better time to start…to
Chorus
Shine like a star
Show who you are yeah
Lift up your voice
So the world knows your heart and
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself
Don’t be defeated
Mistakes masterpieces
You’ve got the power to change what we’re seeing
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself
Verse 3
Don’t be shy, take pride in yourself
Don’t leave your voice lying on the shelf
They tell you lies but you know the truth
When you believe it others will too
Verse 4
Shout it out don’t just store it away
The stars in you could get lost in space
When you don’t know how you feel
Just know that it’s OK to reveal
Pre Chorus
It don’t matter where you come from
But it matters who you are
Don’t lose your motivation
Ain’t no better time to start…to
Chorus
Shine like a star
Show who you are yeah
Lift up your voice
So the world knows your heart and
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself
Don’t be defeated
Mistakes masterpieces
You’ve got the power to change what we’re seeing
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself
Rap
V1
It’s our time to rise up, the voices of change
Cause people on the streets in a fiery rage
equality, the environment, we won’t betray
Hear the change coming, coming ablaze
V2
Health threats abound, don’t let em deter
For the mission is now, no chance to defer
Think about your future, shout out and be heard
For this is our time, our power is our word
V3
Democracy challenged, all over the map
Get yourself counted, don’t let it collapse
Use your love to overshadow the hate
Hear the change coming, coming ablaze
V4
Tomorrow’s bright lights, depend on today
So stick to your causes, show others the way
The future is now, rise up and be heard
For this is our time, our power is our word
Chorus
Shine like a star
Show who you are yeah
Lift up your voice
So the world knows your heart and
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself
Don’t be defeated
Mistakes masterpieces
You’ve got the power to change what we’re seeing
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself
Shine like a star
Show who you are yeah
Lift up your voice
So the world knows your heart
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself
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Aged 8-18? Written your own original songs? Fancy writing your first song? Get ready to enter The Song Academy Young Songwriter 2021 competition from 1st Feb-31st Mar 2021!
