The Lonely People, Inspired by Eleanor Rigby ( John and Paul )

I was never a huge Beatles fan ( Don't hate me Sean Gaillard/Pepper Effect ), but one song has always stood out to me, that I could play an endless loop of: Eleanor Rigby.
There are many stories behind the origin of this amazing song, but to me, it rings the words "School Children 101" every time I hear it.

First, listen to the chorus: "Ah look at all the lonely people". Think of your school. Your students. Staff. Community. Without knowing, there are so many people that fall into this category, for what? Existing? Being? Going through the motions? What are we doing for these lovely and lonely souls? Are we connecting, inspiring and leading them to better things?

Another poignant line that rings true with me is "Where do they all belong?". If you believe in every child. Every day. Every Chance. Then this is us! They belong with us. We must know these lonely souls. They are hiding behind faces, and smirks, and frowns, and furrowed brows. It is a masquerade ball, and we must find out who the jester is amongst these broken hearts. But, without asking questions, showing interest, getting on our hands and knees, we will never know. Know that they are on food stamps. Or living with 10 relatives. Or sharing a bed with 4 siblings. Or that they are so afraid to upset mom or dad because they'll get whipped. Show them they belong.

"Eleanor Rigby, died in the church, And was buried along with her name, Nobody came." To me, this is the most powerful of all the lines in the song. Nobody Came. Well, except for Father McKenzie. What? Really? We cannot accept this loneliness my friends. It is just no acceptable. All students must feel welcome. They must feel loved, accepted, honored, and cherished. There must be no outliers of looks, personality, language or race. If we are not helping the silent child that most needs it, then we are neglecting the outgoing class clown who shouts out for help! They all need us. Find the Eleanor Rigby in your school now. Not next week, but now. Look around. Ask. Observe.

They are all out there my fellow educators. The scavenger hunt is on. Will you join me in the hunt to find them?

#OneDropOfKindness #PushboundEDU #CompelledTribe #Joyfulleaders

Eleanor Rigby - 1966

Ah look at all the lonely people
Ah look at all the lonely people

Eleanor Rigby, picks up the rice
In the church where a wedding has been
Lives in a dream
Waits at the window, wearing the face
That she keeps in a jar by the door
Who is it for

All the lonely people
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people
Where do they all belong?

Father McKenzie, writing the words
Of a sermon that no one will hear
No one comes near
Look at him working, darning his socks
In the night when there's nobody there
What does he care

All the lonely people
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people
Where do they all belong?

Ah look at all the lonely people
Ah look at all the lonely people

Eleanor Rigby, died in the church
And was buried along with her name
Nobody came
Father McKenzie, wiping the dirt
From his hands as he walks from the grave
No one was saved

All the lonely people
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people
Where do they all belong?

Songwriters: John Lennon / Paul Mccartney

Eleanor Rigby lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC