Michael

Michael

I met Michael when he was thirteen.
Thirteen years old one
year ago today.
When I was working where he was living.
Teaching guitar to children all day.
Michael taught me a song he had written.
I taught Michael the song Anna Mae.
Which reminded him of his people.
Anishinaabe, Michael gives you praise.

The problem with Michael, Counselors told me.
Is that Mike's too big for his age.
Looking for attention, thrown in detention
for turning his anger into rage.
Michael taught me a song he had written.
I taught Michael the song Anna Mae.
Which reminded him of his
people.

Anishinaabe, Michael gives you praise.
All of the teachers, all they would tell me
was nothing but trouble that Mike would get in.
He never listens. He's always fighting,
but me and Mike became real good friends.
Michael taught me a song he had
written.

I taught Michael the song Anna Mae.
Which reminded him of his people.
Anishinaabe, Michael gives you praise.
Like an explosion thoughts came flowing
out of his heart and into his mind.
Where Michael gathered fruits of anger.
Out came a song in pretty good rhyme.

Michael taught me a song he had written.
I taught Michael the song Anna Mae.
Which reminded him of his people.
Anishinaabe, Michael gives you praise.

Words & music by Larry Long
Copyright Larry Long Publishing 1982 renewed 2023 BMI