Carolyn Devonshire Poet Lyric

Goodbye, Saint Joseph's School -- Elton John

*Sung to the tune of Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”  Intended to be taken 
humorously.  


“When are you gonna grow up?
It is in jail you will land
You’ll have to stay after class
And I’ll be talking to your old man”


     “You know you can’t hold me forever
     The last school bus is now due
     You can’t rap my knuckles with your ruler now
     Stand in my way and I’ll just run through
     So nah, nah, nah…

     “So goodbye, St. Joseph’s School
     Where the ‘Sisters of Mercy’ were cruel
     The Catholic school’s finally closing
     The lunchroom’s stopped serving gruel

     “I’m taking that bus, might never get off
     Don’t want to face my Dad’s wrath
     Oh, I’ve finally decided to free myself
     And set out on my own path
     So nah, nah, nah…”


“How can you earn a living?
You can’t even spell your name
You’ll be required to take some remedial courses
And stop playing silly head games”


     “Maybe you’ll get a new convent
     I hear there’s some room in Brazil
     Students there might appreciate
     A no-nonsense sister with a voice shrill
     So nah, nah, nah…

     “So goodbye, St. Joseph’s School
     Where the ‘Sisters of Mercy’ were crude
     The altar boys have been set free
     The priests are no longer lewd

     “I’d like to stay, watch them raze it
     The site with torture imposed
     Where skeletons still hide in the closets
     Nevermore to be exposed
     So nah, nah, nah…”



*For John Heck’s “Dear John” contest.  
Those of us who attended St. Joseph’s just learned the school is being closed.  
Although a good education was provided, some students were beaten there repeatedly.  
I feel a good education was provided, but they went overboard with discipline.

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Jack Horne August 17, 2011 at 11:05 AM LOL, it sounds like it's a good thing the school closed

Carol Sunshine Brown February 22, 2011 at 7:38 AM Congratulations on your win Carolyn in John Heck's contest "Dear John". Love, Carol

Andrea Dietrich January 30, 2011 at 7:56 PM gosh, you sound a bit too familiar with this ST. Joseph school. haha. Yes, this is good humor, Carolyn. Good for me to finally see your lyrics. I had somehow missed yours earlier. A big congrats on your super win. LUv, Andrea

Debbie Guzzi January 30, 2011 at 5:22 PM You go gal...there's something to be said for rebellion! and hellions! Congrad's on you smashing win! Light & Love

James Fraser January 30, 2011 at 8:28 AM Wonderful changing of the lyric's Caroyln to Elton & Bernie's track. His early music was his best in my eyes. Many congrats on your fine win in John's contest....:)

Wilma Neels January 30, 2011 at 8:25 AM A terrific win for you with this one Carolyn, enjoyed reading it again. Congratulation ;) Love Wilma

Carrie Richards January 30, 2011 at 7:49 AM So terrific is this, dear Carolyn!! How you could turn some painful memories into a clever lyric.....hooray for you! Congratulations on your great win! Love, Carrie

Kory Calhoun January 30, 2011 at 7:00 AM LOL! Hi Carolyn - I can so relate to your lyrics. I also attended a Catholic grammar school AND a Catholic high school. The unorthodox antics of the nuns at my grammar school will always be embedded in my brain and on my knuckles. Thank God I was only hit once in my eight years there. Congratulations on your BIG WIN in John Heck's contest. Best wishes, Kory

Tahera Mannan January 30, 2011 at 6:47 AM A beautiful adaptation of Elton's song.Many congratulations for this win.

Wilma Neels January 2, 2011 at 8:41 PM What a joy to read so early in the morning.. I loved your approach to this Carolyn, wishing you all the best for John's contest.. love Wilma

Robert Pettit January 2, 2011 at 5:55 PM You should be writing for Mad Magazine. This is something that should be a strong contender for the contest. Very descriptive and imaginative.

Gert W. Knop December 31, 2010 at 1:19 PM Great lines Carolyn to look back witha twinkle in your eye! Sorry to hear that you caught a flu. I also felt a bit strange this afternoon but now I am sure I got also one! Not such a god start for 2011. Thank you also for all your kind comments. I hope you'll get better soon and have agreat and healthy year ahead! Love, Gert

James Fraser December 31, 2010 at 10:23 AM We had a St Joseph's up the road from my old primary school, wow. Lovely lyrical change Carolyn to a wonderful track by EJ. His early music was brilliant. Happy New Year to you from the Highlands of Scotland....:)

L'Nass Shango December 31, 2010 at 7:57 AM Carolyn, fully I understand where you are coming from. It is sweet humor looking back, but when I sat in a school like that I spent more time fearing the pain and humiliation of the flogging than I spent learning. The boy who came last in class there, went on to teach college math. All the best in the contest, this is a good and nostalgic write. Happy New Year, my gifted friend.

Joe Maverick December 30, 2010 at 10:08 PM well done Carolyn, many thanks for your comment on ill relevant, i did the poem & thought better of posting, untill i read one by a poet called brittany who had lost i think a familiy member she asked for some people to stand up, so taking a q from her and the man upstairs i posted.

John Rhinem December 30, 2010 at 4:21 PM Smile ~ Although, once more; these are my own thoughts born amid the canvas of this splendid paintings brushed ~ "Thank You," for "Your Beauties" kind com my dear; much appreciated ~ "My Love & Warmth to 'You Always' &, All You Love, 'Forever,'" John! ~ Smile, "Have A Very 'Blessed & Beautiful' Evening My Dear, Upon The Yellow Brick Paths of, 'Everlasting &, Beautiful Love;'" Bye My Dear!:) ~

John Rhinem December 30, 2010 at 4:16 PM Smile ~ "Yes," I can somehow amid my own humbled personal interpretation sing along with this tunes lyrics of perhaps, a chords mixturing notes of wisdom, hopes, lessons, dreams etc. ~ Smile, very "Excellent & Beautiful Verse 'My Dear, Precious & Priceless Carolyn Devonshire;' A Fave!!!" ~ I truly appreciate and enjoy the treasures I find within a poet or poetess' reaching unto the depths of Souls jewel embedded walls ~ ....Cont:)

Sara Kendrick December 30, 2010 at 2:31 PM Years ago all that was know was to beat the fear of God into someone but we have learned better now..Now that we know better better is required of us..Enjoyed this one..Sad that the school is closing..Reads like a winner to me..Good luck..I was delighted that you stopped by my work and took the time to read and comment..Sara

Francine Roberts December 30, 2010 at 1:15 PM love this poem Carolyn, yes our Ctholic school here was known to rap a knuckle or two as well back in the day

Diane Locksley December 30, 2010 at 1:14 PM Discipline used to be taken to extremes in some schools. I can see the humor here and like the two voice approach of using the nun and the student. Good luck in John's contest.