To Sir With Love

The title track to the 1968 film of the same name. This gritty British film broke many taboos with its graphic tale of life in a run down sink school in 1960s East London. The film starred Lulu, but the main character was a black (scandalous!) school teacher from America who believed, unlike his fellow teachers, that he really could make a difference to the bored, unruly students given up on by the rest of the teaching staff. Sidney Poitier played the starring role thought by many to be brilliant. Lulu's legendary producer Mickey Most arranged the track. Lulu knowing what a big Hollywood film this could become expected a full orchestral arrangement and was very upset when Most would only agree to pay for a tiny string section.

Those schoolgirl days Of telling tales and biting nails are gone But in my mind I know they will still live on and on But how do you thank someone Who has taken you from crayons to perfume? It isn't easy, but I'll try If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters That would soar a thousand feet high "To Sir, with love" The time has come For closing books and long last looks must end And as I leave I know that I am leaving my best friend A friend who taught me right from wrong And weak from strong, that's a lot to learn What, what can I give you in return? If you wanted the moon I would try to make a start But I would rather you let me give my heart To Sir, with love