AEIOUM

[Blueback]

You may feel small and you may feel insignificant,
You may lack the will to carry on or even get up in the morning,
When nothing makes sense to you and you feel constantly burdened,
When the weight of the entire world bears heavy on you, and your life feels cordoned.

I'm here to say that I understand. Not everything but I understand well enough.
You have no idea now how important and precious you are - to everyone.
You matter to all of us, even though sometimes it may seem as if you don't.
Listen closely. Do you hear me? You matter to all of us. You matter to all of us.

You may think that it would be easier to stop trying,
You may say that there's no point in doing anything because you're such a failure,
When you have no-one talk to or to unload your innermost torment,
When the world stomps you into the ground, and you try to lift up your head but you can't.

I'm here to say that I understand. Not everything but I understand well enough.
I don't know you but I don't have to. Because I know this to be true.
You're life has meaning, even though sometimes it may seem as if it doesn't.
Listen closely. Do you hear me? You're life has meaning. You're life has meaning.

You may try to be someone you're not, to put on the mask and act the part,
You may try to forget who you were as a child, and become the adult of your alike,
When you adopt the cruelty of the world and don the robes of the muckety mucks,
When the face in the mirror becomes closer to your ideal persona - but it totally sucks.

I'm here to say that I understand. Not everything but I understand well enough.
It's OK to play pretend, we all did it - look around you - this is what happens.
You're uniquely you, even though sometimes that's the last thing you want to be.
Listen closely. Do you hear me? You're uniquely you. You're uniquely you.

You may try to convince yourself that nobody understands you,
You may think that you're the only one suffering as you do - and that's fair, I get it,
When you can't escape the world that you're stuck in, that you're thrust so deeply into,
When the lights are so dim, hope has fled, and you're confused as to why this must be so.

I'm here to say that I understand. Not everything but I understand well enough.
I don't have the answers, no-one does. But know that you're not alone.
You're meant for something great, even though sometimes that may sound like a hollow lie.
Listen closely. Do you hear me? You're meant for something great. You're meant for something great.

It's a hard life, it's a tough life, it's a painful life...
It's often unfair, it's agonizingly unbearable, and sometimes it's completely senseless...
But all these things pass. It gets better. Hang on, just hang on!

[Red Reine]

Glorious morning, pitch the tent,
What a mess to make in bed,
Double barrels keep on shelling,
There's no end. There's no end!

Wash the face with acne clear,
Lather till it starts to burn,
That's the way to rid them all,
Pop! goes the pimple.

Throw the breakfast down the hatch,
Run outside to catch the ride,
Sticky seats, musty bus,
Drowsy... Need sleep... Uuuuggghhh...

Get up, too stiff, sit down, still stiff,
Wait a bit, a little bit more, nope.
Make an excuse, hunch over, bulging,
Raise the flag, Aten-hut! Salut!

Check the face for reds and whites,
Angry armies revolt to fight,
Squeeze the big'un to the right,
Pop! goes the pimple.

Algebra - the Greeks are cray-cray!
In Espanol por favor - Estan LOCOS!
So hungry, so boring,
Drowsy... Need siesta ... Uuuuggghhh...

Back home again, bag in the corner,
Grip the joystick, take it for a ride,
Push the buttons furiously,
Finish the level, level up, up, up!

Krakatoa, Vesuvius, Yellowstone and more,
Rumbling to exude, threatening to explode,
Gently apply the topical cream in a ritualistic motion,
Pop! Pop! Pop! there go the pimples.

Homework? Ze machine vantz ze verk,
Get'em done, get'em done, get'em done,
Too much ferk, too little time, not enough spare neurons,
Drowsy... Need bed ... Uuuuggghhh...

[Blueback]

You don't need to be perfect. Nobody is. Nobody can be.
But it's important to make the effort and do your best - not all the time - so take plenty of rest.
Don't let the pressure get to you, their expectations are not yours.
Set your own goals, and tally your success using your own measure - not theirs.

Pressure makes diamonds, they say. But often it just cracks rocks.
You're a beautiful stone, honey, upon which dreams are built up like stacks.
Don't let them crack you and say that you need to be a diamond like them.
They're not diamonds at all, you see. They only claim they are. It's a game.

You don't need to be perfect. Nobody is. Nobody can be.
Your body's fine the way it is. Take care of it well and keep it healthy.
The bodies and the looks of others are their standards of aesthetics.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so take no heed of their blind eyes or their measuring sticks.

Pressure makes diamonds, they say. But it also makes other jewels.
You may be a garnet, an azurite, an emerald, or a pyrite. Don't listen to the fools.
Zircons believe they're diamonds, and say that you need to be like them.
But they're not diamonds, are they? Labs and factory productions are cheap clones - they're all the same.

You don't need to be perfect. Nobody is. Nobody can be.
So what if you don't get those grades or go to that school you were told you need to go to.
These are pieces of paper given by imperfect people setting arbitrary expectations.
If you want something, put in the effort and be passionate about it. That's all you need to do.

Pressure makes diamonds, they say. It's also an awful way to open an egg.
You don't need the pressure of others when you need to hatch in your own time.
Ignore them. They think they know what they're saying, and they want you to believe them.
They don't know anything. Only you know what is best for you. Take charge of your own life.

You don't need to be perfect. Nobody is. Nobody can be.
Popularity contests and extracurriculars look good on paper. The algorithms love it.
You can do everything right, and still fail because you're not being true to yourself.
Machines prefer machines. People who live like machines, make choices like machines.

Pressure makes diamonds, they say. It's also used often in assembly lines.
You don't need to be the perfect cog of somebody else's machinations and systems.
Your talents and your uniqueness are unquestionably valuable - if only you can harness them.
Support them if you want. But remember - they need you more than you need them.

You have your whole life ahead of you. It's one of those wonderful things about being young.
So I wish you good luck to go forth and to find your own way. To go forth into the world and to prosper.
Just be sure to ask for help when you need it. Don't be shy or stiff necked. It's OK to ask for help now and then.

[Red Reine]

There was a period in my life,
There was a pun in there too,
When today was not as yesterday,
When the day became a pain to get through.

Ch-ch-ch changes in my g-g-g generation,
Ch-ch-ch challenging my s-s-s sanitation,
AAAAhuuuuuuu! We've become women!
Don't you look at us funny. We ain't kiddin' you, boy,
AAAAhuuuuuuu! We've become women!

There on the street as a party pack of four,
There lock-step we trod prowling so,
When the sheep saw us comin' round the corner,
When their eyes and legs hurried to and fro.

Wouldn't it be nice though, if I was a believuh,
Charming and prancing and lovely and sparkling,
Sweet as cherry pie, comforting as a lullaby,
Princess perfect, flowers with chickadees flying.

Ch-ch-ch changes in my g-g-g generation,
Ch-ch-ch channeling my s-s-s sensation,
AAAAhuuuuuuu! We've become women!
You look so tasty and cute. We could just eat you up,
AAAAhuuuuuuu! We've become women!

There in the cramped classroom stood my back-turned teacher,
There must be some kind of way out of here,
When the joker flew a plane at the thief,
When the class was a zoo of an elaborate space odyssey.

Wouldn't it be nice though, if I was a believuh,
Smiling and giggling and laughing and singing,
Melting your heart, inviting and shy,
Doll set, tea cups with prancing ponies by my side.

Ch-ch-ch changes in my g-g-g generation,
Ch-ch-ch chasing my s-s-s solation,
AAAAhuuuuuuu! We've become women!
We've got lashes and claws too. Come here, don't you want to see?
AAAAhuuuuuuu! We've become women!

Why don't you just f-f-f find us a latte,
AAAAhuuuuuuu! We've become women!
Awww, that's so sweet, you have no idea how to talk to me.
AAAAhuuuuuuu! We've become women!

We're women. Wired women.
Ware women. Were children.
Weird women. Were girls.
Wear women. Werewomen.
Ahu, Ahu, AAAAhuuuuuuu!!!

[Blueback]

It's OK to feel lonely. It's OK to be sad. When you're a teen, it's normal to feel bad.
Everyone goes through it. Some handle it better, though some may be driven outright mad.
You'll have good days, and you'll have bad ones. Some will be excruciatingly awful.
Don't let these things drag you down. It's a phase, you'll get through it all.

You're a butterfly forming in a silk wrapped chrysalis.
You need to wait patiently for the end of the metamorphosis.
Emerge when the time is ripe and stretch those wings ready to fly.
Fly into the sky, baby. Go find the other butterflies.

It's OK to be angry. It's OK to be an outcast. When you're a teen, it's normal to be the last.
Everyone goes through it. Some may be the first in the class, though some may not get anywhere fast.
You'll feel stupid, and you'll feel confused. Sometimes time will slow to a crawl.
Don't let these things bring you down. It's a phase, you'll get through it all.

You're a grey cygnet hissing and molting on the water.
You need to wait patiently for the white (or the black) feathers to appear.
Take flight when the time is ripe and become the envy of the birds.
You'll be a gorgeous swan soon, baby. Dance on the lake - the stage is all yours.

It's OK to feel trapped. It's OK to be frustrated. When you're a teen, it's normal to feel imprisoned.
Everyone goes through it. Some go to parties with friends, though some may stay home as if they're chained.
You'll feel left out, and you'll feel unpopular. Sometimes you'll feel like a loser.
Don't let these things hold you down. It's a phase, you'll get through it all.

You're a polliwog swimming like a fish in the shallow.
You need to wait patiently to replace the tail, for those legs to grow.
Stretch those powerful limbs when the time is ripe and breathe in the fresh air.
Thrust yourself out of the swamp, baby. You just gotta ribbity rip it and tear.

It's OK to feel worthless. It's OK to feel inadequate. When you're a teen, it's normal to feel overwhelmed.
Everyone goes through it. Some brush it off and honk their horns, though some sink deep and feel damned.
You'll feel hopeless, and you'll think it's pointless. Sometimes you'll want to give up.
Don't let these things push you down. It's a phase, you'll get through it all.

You're an adolescent trying to figure it all out.
You need to wait patiently for all of it to make sense - and that comes much much later.
Everything you feel is valid and real. Don't deny them or let others define them.
They're all yours, baby. They're your experiences and your life. Live!

[Red Reine]

To be or not to be, that is the question: Innit?
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer,
The legal restraints of adolescents,
Or to take rebellious arms against the arbitrary restrictions,
And by opposing - get in ginormous trouble and thus be grounded.
To face the music and to play on no more.

I am in need - to be eighteen.
I would like - to be twenty one.
I would feign - to pass as eighteen.
I can't do anything - under twenty one.
Why must this be so, am I not yet an adult?
Who is to say what I am to be capable of?
What is the reason behind these limitations, may I ask?
When do the young become responsible enough to put on the mask?

O, what a noble mind is here o’erthrown! Agreeth thou?
The parents, teachers, idols who collectively lock, gag, and mock,
Th' expectancy of the rising budding lily of the house,
The flowering of which is stunted and kept hidden,
Th’ observ’d of all observers, quite, quite down!
Rapunzel wants outy from this west wing of the castle.

I am in need - to be eighteen.
I would like - to be twenty one.
I would feign - to pass as eighteen.
I can't do anything - under twenty one.
Why are the rules so constricting of potential?
Who is the one demanding and setting the boundaries?
What must I do to prove my capabilities in exercising restraint?
When do the young become responsible enough to be declared a saint?

Something is rotten in the state of the world. A wasteland of teens?
Who can claim the exodus from the clutching grip,
Whence the bars of the gilded cage, the free birds keep,
And these free birds, nobody can change, Uh-huh,
Lord knows, we can never change, Nuh-huh,
So let us fly high, fly like an eagle into the future, yeah!

I am in need - to be eighteen.
I would like - to be twenty one.
I would feign - to pass as eighteen.
I can't do anything - under twenty one.
Why have you clipped my wings and put on a mesh over me?
Who is to say what is legal and what is to be allowed?
What is the impetus for you to exercise your power over me?
When do the young become responsible enough to be independent, eh?

[Blueback]

I bet you're scared of so many things - like talking to girls or boys, for instance.
Did you know that they're scared too? And that feeling never really disappears?
It's called attraction - and all you have to do is to dance the dance and just be yourself.
Be confident and genuine, don't fake it till you make it, and don't be a posing selfie elf.

Do the things you enjoy, and be around the people you like to spend time with.
Don't be something you're not and don't try to be a circle when you're a square.
Find your own strengths and work them to your advantage.
Find your weaknesses and challenge them to become your strengths instead.

I bet you're scared of so many things - like trying new experiences, for instance.
Did you know that that feeling can also be a thrill? And that feeling can be an eye-opener too?
It's natural to have reservations when you're unfamiliar and attempting something new.
But you'll be missing out if you don't try. Opportunities will be many but successes will be few.

Do give it a chance and see if there's anything you might like.
Don't say that you already know when you actually don't have a clue.
Find a way to discover the spectacular in your new adventure.
Find the mistakes and your dislikes, and remember to avoid them in the future.

I bet you're scared of so many things - like the big bad world, for instance.
Did you know that it's not as bad you're led to believe? And that there's a lot of good out there?
It's not that it's not dangerous. There are plenty of those who would take advantage of you in so many ways.
But there are also many who want to help; the decent people in the good small world they actively raise.

Do get out of your comfort zone, get out there and explore for yourself.
Don't be sitting at home thinking you can live life by living other people's experiences.
Find out what that thing you want to know is truly the way you've been told.
Find out if that taste and smell is really the way you imagined it to be so.

I bet you're scared of so many things - like leaving your parents' home, for instance.
Did you know that that your parents are more scared of you leaving than you are?
It's not easy to raise a child. The adult leaving the home is still a child in the parents' eyes.
Be kind to them, and be understanding. But make sure to get out. Leave the nest and say your goodbyes!

Do let them know how you're doing. It's nice to know that their baby's still flying.
Don't be mean but keep your distance too. Your business as an adult is your own business.
Find a balance that works for everyone, not just for yourself.
Find a way to keep your family together. You'll need to take a more active role sooner than you think.

[Red Reine]

Pardon me, but could any of you tell me,
The quickest way to the money tree?
The money tree? Yes, the money tree.
I wonder where oh where it could possibly be. Anybody?

I know where to go to find the money tree.
Go to the university, but it's not for free.
You need to bring money to go there, you see,
The tree feeds on our coins, we're led to believe.

Free to be me, free to be seen,
Free to be what they tell me to be,
Free to pay, free to play,
Free to repeat what they tell me to say.

Pardon me, I broke through this rusty cage,
Only to find that there's another Pysanka stage,
How many chapters are to follow after this page?
I'm still a rat in a cage, despite all my rage.

The machine is all the rage to avoid earning a wage,
Wizards tend to amaze, they're better than a mage,
So says the boardgame, appropriate for a teenage,
At what age is my life no longer played on a stage?

Free to be wild, free to be torn,
Free to make do with what I brung along,
Free to rock the boat, just not THAT boat,
Free to cast a vote, from which side of the moat?

Pardon me, have I entered the twilight zone?
I expected the grass to be greener than this tone,
The pasture was picked clean like a desert bone,
Looking around puzzled, eye see eye stand here alone.

Give me rest, take me to where the water is cold,
Where the light shines on the surface like a polished stone,
Indeed like a stone, sinking as we're prone,
Hanging on to the boat till the saints come marching home.

Free to dream, free to be a dreamer,
Free to cheer for I'm an eager teamster,
Free to be happy for I'm a loyal taxpayer,
Free to be whatever I want, but I don't know what I'm after.

Give me a future, for I am the future.
Tell me a fortune I can understand.
What's in my future? What's my future?
Don't worry child, buckle up - we got this.
We're in this together. It's going to get better.