Set against the backdrop of challenges familiar to any institution that finds itself in financial straits, In America’s final song serves as a monument to the memories, lessons, and relationships that are forged between people in all places of work and study who experience the shock and confusion that inevitably ensues when they hear the devastating news that their place of work or study is to be suddenly closed, in this case, Roosevelt Junior High School, due to ongoing budget cuts and rising anti-immigrant sentiment.

At song’s rise, young Nguyen Tran expresses his feelings of shock and confusion at hearing the news of his school’s sudden closing in the touching musical tribute entitled, Last Days of Roosevelt Junior High.

NGUYEN TRAN
THE SHADOWS ARE REVEALING
THE SUN IS SINKING LOW
I’VE GOT AN EMPTY FEELING
I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO

Frightened, tiny Sopanny echoes these fears.

THE WORLD IS SPINNING MADLY
IT DRIFTS THROUGH OUTER SPACE
AND I FEEL SO SMALL
ONLY TWO FEET TALL
CAN I FIND A HIDING PLACE?

Accepting the news more calmly, older, and wiser Vuong Anh counts his blessings and reminds everyone that there are still endless opportunities awaiting them in America.

BUT THE SUN STILL SHINES
AND BABIES CRY
AND NEIGHBORS LEND A HAND
AND EAGLES SCREECH
THEY ALMOST PREACH
THEY SAY, “GET IT WHILE YOU CAN
THIS LAND IS EVERYBODY’S LAND

In follow-up choruses, students, staff, and administrators’ own school memories are brought to mind before each group bids final farewells to their beloved school, friends, and colleagues.

Last Days of Roosevelt Junior High reminds us of the many important relationships we make in the course of our lives, at both work and play, and the pain that can sometimes occur when it’s time to leave these relationships behind. This song tries to capture the sense of melancholy we naturally feel at such bittersweet times of parting as we think back on fond memories.

Thanks for listening!

Best wishes,

Hal Harper