Lyrics: We wrote this song to illustrate the concept of "making good choices".  Our sons inspired the specific stories.  See below for additional verses for older kids, not included on the CD.

(Chorus)
I feel good - when I’m strong
I don’t have to follow, or just go along.
I feel good - when I’m strong
When I decide for myself, what’s right and what’s wrong.

Out in the yard, we were playing tag;
some boys said, "No girls allowed."
I said, "It’s not fair if girls can’t play;
I won’t go along with the crowd."
I said, "We can play a different way;
find a game for everyone.
Then no one will have to feel left out,
and we’ll all have a lot more fun."   

(Chorus)

One day I was playing with my friend
He got his collection out
I could tell he was really into those cards
It was all he talked about.
He said I'd have to start buying cards,
or else our friendship would end.
I said, "It's not about the things we own;
That's not what it means to be a friend."  

(Chorus)

My friend came over to my house
We were playing hide and seek.
We found a present wrapped up in a drawer
She said, "Let's take a peek."
She wanted to unwrap the gift
She said, "No one will know."
But I knew inside that it was wrong,
and so I told her "No!"   

(Chorus)

(Bridge:)
Sometimes it’s hard to stick up for yourself.
You’ve gotta be brave to stand your ground.
You might be afraid, that you’ll lose a friend;
but if they’re true, they’ll come around. 

(Chorus)


(Alternate verses - for older kids:)

On my way home from school one day,
I saw kids gathered in a crowd.
They were all ganged up on one small kid
Their taunts and jeers grew loud.
It made me sick to see how cruel they were
The kid was starting to cry.
I didn't know if I could make them stop,
but I knew that I had to try.

My friend came over to my house
one day after school.
When he found out I didn't have X-Box,
he told me I wasn't cool.
He said I'd have to get video games,
or else, our friendship would end.
I said, "It's not about the things we own;
That's not what it means to be a friend."

One day, I was hangin' with my friends
A bigger kid came along.
He said we should try his cigarettes
He wouldn't steer us wrong.
Some of my friends wanted to try,
and some were afraid to say no.
But I didn't want to hurt my lungs.
I spoke up and told them so.