Song for Teacher: WHEN (Classroom Remix)

 Written & Co-Produced by Former Radio Personality, Producer, Director of H.Y.P.E. (Helping Young People Elevate) ~ John “J. Michaels” Garrett “WHEN” is a heartfelt tribute honoring the unseen impact teachers have on students — especially in moments when they thought no one was listening, when they thought it didn’t matter, when they thought they were alone. 

Song for Teacher: “WHEN (Win)” Classroom Remix

[Verse 1]

You got a gift for every classroom, every desk, every chair

Turn the struggle into lessons, I could feel you in the air

You put courage in the homework, put some hope in every word

You were working past the paycheck, more than anyone had heard

You were grading through the midnight, eyes red, heart pure

Pouring power in the pages, showing we could all endure

You were fighting for the future, even when the days were hard

You were standing in the hallway like a bodyguard

[Chorus]

When you thought I wasn’t looking, that’s when you told me I could do it

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you said that I was built to prove it

When you thought I wasn’t looking, that’s when you showed you really cared

When you thought I wasn’t looking, that’s when I saw you standing there

[Verse 2]

You mean a lot to many people, whole community you serve

You be changing all the odds up with each lesson, with each word

You a very special teacher, ain’t a trophy that can say

How you held us when we stumbled, pushed us to a brighter day

You taught us how to think, taught us how to dream and lead

You were planting all the vision, always giving what we need

You were checking on our pain, you were checking on our grades

You were circling our names, never letting us fade

[Chorus]

When you thought I wasn’t looking, that’s when you told me I could do it

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you said that I could really make it

When you thought I wasn’t looking, that’s when you showed you really cared

When you thought I wasn’t looking, that’s when I felt you standing there

[Bridge]

Let me tell you this, yeah, let me testify

You taught us to write, you taught us to read, you taught us to reach for the sky

You thought I didn’t see you there, but I saw you every time

You were posted by my locker, you were walking that line

You said reach for the moon, I might land in the stars

You said there’s something in my story that could heal these scars

You really cared for me, wanted the best for me

Told me don’t fold, keep pressing, be all I can be

Please don’t stop, don’t stop teaching

Every word you spoke is the proof I’m breathing

[Vamp]

When, oh when… ooh when

When… ooh when

You said that I could make it

You showed me you really cared

Wanted the best for me, that’s when you showed me (that’s when you showed me)

You really cared for me, you really sowed in me

You need to know, yeah, you need to know

When I said I couldn’t, you said I could

When I said I shouldn’t, you said I should

That’s when you told me I can make it, you told me I’m good

[Vamp]

We need you, we need you now

You need to know, can’t stop you now

Might be a little rough right now

But you still hold it down for the block right now

Oh we need you, oh we need you

Voices in the hall still believe you

Teacher, teacher, teach me, please

‘Cause your words turned pain into peace (yeah)

Oh we need you, oh we need you

From the front row seats to the back of the classroom

Teacher, teacher, teach… me

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