Show Me (The Lips): A Rap Song for People With Hearing Loss By Gael Hannan To really hammer home a message, find a unique way to express it. I came up with a new idea (maybe not a good idea, but definitely a new one) when I was talking about communication to a group of high school students with hearing loss. A tactful young fellow said that he liked my presentation a lot, but perhaps I should consider adding a little music to make it more interesting. Well, I cannot sing and I cannot dance. But I can talk and I do have rhythm. And I also have a baseball cap. My son was horrified at my idea. Joel: Mom, NO! There’s no such THING as a 58-year-old, Caucasian, female rap artist!! Me: How about a hard of hearing one? Joel: Oh, man – I’m going to have to leave home, change my name and go into hiding. Me: Ok, bye. But before you go, show me how to ‘rap’. Joel: Sigh. When you read the following ‘rap song’, it helps to read it out loud. Try and get some rhythm going – jab your shoulders forward, one at a time, back and forth. Groove. SHOW ME (THE LIPS) Speak up girl, look me in the eye Face me fella – I’ll tell you why I have to see your lips, so I can get a grip On what you’re saying, conveying, your brains, your wit. Show me! Show me! Show me the lips or keep ‘em zipped! I’m hard of hearing and I’m wearing two Hearing aids connecting me to you I’ve named one Billy, and I’ve named one Bob You might think that’s silly, but do THEY have a job! They’re my lifeline, my rope of connection They take me from ‘huh?’ to human interaction They turn on the power of my communication But they’re not perfect, they’re just amplification. They need help from my eyes to hear I have to SEE what should be coming in my ears. So don’t turn your back, or turn down the light I have to see your lips, so I can get it right – so Speak up girl, look me in the eye Face me fella – I’ll tell you why I have to see your lips, so I can get a grip On what you’re saying, conveying, your brains, your wit. Show me! Show me! Show me the lips or keep ‘em zipped! I want to connect, interact and engage Not go crazy, giving way to ear rage. So don’t roll your eyes or give a big sigh Talking face to face shouldn’t terrify. It’s not my brain that’s causing this trouble Just a malfunction in the auditory bubble When you understand where I’m coming from We can start talking and have some fun! See, it doesn’t matter how old we are If we’re 20, 40, 60 or 84 Hearing loss is no respecter Of age, brains, power or gender It can any happen any time, to anyone Hope that soon it won’t be you, face to face, saying: Speak up girl, look me in the eye Face me fella – I’ll tell you why I have to see your lips, so I can get a grip On what you’re saying, conveying, your brains, your wit. Show me! Show me! Show me the lips or keep ‘em zipped!
Da bomb! Now if you've got Menieres No way to trust your ears We've got to see your lips They're ears that give us tips. Don't turn your backs on us, That's insensitive, so whack And that just makes us cuss Since of us you know jack And no peeps, we're not all snooty But we can't "read" your booty So point those lips there right at me 'Cause I can "hear" what I can see. Love what you did Marion. Mine was a response out of respect. Others should feel free to join in.