From the First Glance

This song was co-written by a group of students at Youthreach Limerick in June 2024

They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but when I’m seen, I’m viewed as an other. Photograph: iStock
They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but when I’m seen, I’m viewed as an other. Photograph: iStock

Verse 1

In a world where drugs are rife,

Inequality cuts like a knife.

Some get help, others face strife,

Addressing this issue is key to improve life.

Drugs mess with your brain, then your family feels the pain

Watching on in disdain.

Chorus

They know each other from the first glance,

Watching for someone to take a stance.

From the inside you know each better,

From the outside you’re nothing but a feather.

They say don’t judge a book by its cover,

But when I’m seen, I’m viewed as an other.

Verse 2

Drugs are only good for thugs,

Burned out vehicles, windows getting broken,

Youngfellas sitting on a wall just smoking.

Yo, in the streets where the drugs flow,

Inequality’s a heavy blow.

Some get high, others feel low,

If someone offers drugs,

Please say no!

Chorus

They know each other from the first glance,

Watching for someone to take a stance.

From the inside you know each better,

From the outside you’re nothing but a feather.

They say don’t judge a book by its cover,

But when I’m seen, I’m viewed as an other.

Bridge

There needs to be a realisation

Of the penalisation.

Bad things happen,

It can make you go nappin’

And then you go tappin’

And you’ll start snappin’.

Chorus

They know each other from the first glance,

Watching for someone to take a stance.

From the inside you know each better,

From the outside you’re nothing but a feather.

They say don’t judge a book by its cover,

But when I’m seen, I’m viewed as an other.


Students from Youthreach Limerick (O’Connell Avenue Campus) worked with Fighting Words staff and volunteers over four days in June 2024 to develop a creative zine. This included poetry, memoirs, illustrations and songwriting. The full zine can be accessed on our website, and includes songs written by the students with help from Colm Quearney