IT'S OK TO FEEL

PLEASE NOTE: Lyrics in parentheses are sung by a second singer.

(1)
Oh, it's OK... (Yes, it's all right.)
to feel angry, (Y'know, I get so mad!)
And it's OK... (Don'tcha know, it's all right!)
to feel sad. (You can cry---it may help.)
And it's OK... (And really normal, too...)
to feel scared, or jealous, or blue,
But it's not OK
to hurt someone
because of how you feel!
No, it's not OK... (No, it's never OK!)
to hurt someone... (Use your self-control!)
because of how you feel!

(2)
When I used to feel... (like we all often do)
uncomfortable feelings, (like anger or fear)
I tried to pretend... ('Cause those feelings scared me!)
that everything was just fine; (but it wasn't---not at all)
But then I found... (with my tummy tied in knots)
I took it out on family and friends!
So now I take that anger
and turn it into energy
to do someone some good!
Now I take that anger
and turn it into energy
to do someone some good!

(3)
Some people may say, (Yes, some may say...)
"Oh, don't be angry." ("Don't get so mad.!"
And some may say, (They may also say...)
"Oh, you mustn't be sad." ("Keep those tears inside!")
I've heard others say, (And others may say...)
"You shouldn't be scared or jealous
---what's wrong with you?"
But my feelings are mine,
I've got a right to feel 'em,
And I can't just wish them away.
Yes, my feelings are mine,
I've got a right to feel 'em,
And I can't just wish them away.

(REPEAT VERSE 1, BEGINNING WITH "Yes...")
(1)
It's OK... (Yes, it's all right.)
to feel angry, (Y'know, I get so mad!)
And it's OK... (Don'tcha know, it's all right!)
to feel sad. (You can cry---it may help.)
And it's OK... (And really normal, too...)
to feel scared, or jealous, or blue,
But it's not OK
to hurt someone
because of how you feel!
No, it's not OK... (No, it's never OK!)
to hurt someone... (Use your self-control!)
because of how you feel!


Think and Share Invitations
Suggested introduction: Someone may have told you, "Don't feel angry ... or sad... or scared..." or "You shouldn't feel...". They may have been concerned about what you might do while angry, and maybe they were uncomfortable dealing with your feelings. Actually, it is important -- and healthy -- for each of us to be honest with ourselves about how we're feeling, and why.
* Think and share about a time when you did identify your own
uncomfortable feelings, and dealt with them without
hurting anyone because of how you were feeling.
* Where in your body do you feel the emotions in the song? (angry,
sad, scared, jealous)
* What are some healthy ways to dealing with uncomfortable feelings?



 For 7 of the Most-Requested Songs, Think and Share Invitations, and Bonus Resources, please follow this link:
https://lkwbetterworld.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/5-17-21-7-of-the-most-requested-songs.pdf
For Bonus Resources for Dealing with Feelings
https://lkwbetterworld.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/5-17-21-dealing-with-feelings-bonus-resources-greatly-expanded.pdf
For Songs connected with 5 Reproducible stories from Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories for a Better World
https://lkwbetterworld.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/5-17-21-csbw-5-sample-stories-w.-songs-bonus-resources-and-list-of-other-stories.pdf


Dedicated to Alta Bantz, who respected and validated my feelings. Thanks!
Words and music copyright 1990 by Linda K. Williams
Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

Lead Singer and Producer Patricia Mikkelson,
Simplified Living Coach and Professional Organizer, www.becomeorganized.wordpress.com

This song is part of a no-cost set of songs and resources, CARING AND CAPABLE KIDS -- 52 Songs written and recorded by Linda K. Williams and Friends, available at https://caringandcapablekids.com/caring-and-capable-kids/
* Offered at no cost for use in Classrooms, Distance Learning, Music Programs, After-School Programs, and Homes
for Social Emotional Learning, Music Therapy, and Developing Resilience, Empathy, and a Trauma - Informed / Responsive Lens
* Bonus Resources available via hyperlinks "Think and Share Invitations" for each song are offered as springboards for Restorative / Community Building Circles Writing / Journaling Pair and Share, and more.
* PLEASE ALSO CONSIDER engaging in Visual and Performing Arts inspired by the Lyrics ~ draw ~ paint ~ dance ~ mindful movement ~ hand motions ~ write additional lyrics, skits ~ and more


Link for this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSaRqMikCmM&list=OLAK5uy_kw6aTs5dEm_UxrS59m1RBnyW8zCDMLZ7E&index=5