By Gina Lin
Vancouver, British Columbia
This song was inspired by the 6 year-old Chinese girl who both charmed and delighted me singing her simple country songs as I traveled through a mountain village. Initially shy with me, she ended up grabbing my hand and leading me to her home to “show” me as a surprise to her family! Her community living conditions were heartbreaking and this song captures my perception and emotions felt through that experience.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Sheila, her parents – they labour in the field
I do not know the sweat they pay forth to buy a meal
Sheila, her friends spend their days under the sun
Though they work more than they play, more than they have fun
Chorus
Is there something we can do for Sheila?
Oh Sheila, take this money, go to school
Go there daily, do just as you’re told
Pay attention as you learn about your world
You will know better, why when you are old
Is there something we can do for Sheila?
Verse 2
Sheila, her winters are colder than mine
I cannot feel the air cutting frigid through her spine
Sheila, her dreams - they are few and far between
It will be nice if she can marry before she is sixteen
Chorus
Bridge
You’re gonna run Sheila, run Sheila, run
You’re gonna run much faster than when your folks were young
You’re going to read and write, you’re going to learn your math
You’re going to run Sheila, run Sheila, run Sheila, run … run real fast
Chorus
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