Life Goes On — My Story, Our Family,

Lyrics

[Intro – Spoken] Hey, IL ENG family! Most of you know me as Mister Chouaib. I’m Chouaib Errime. I’m forty-five, and I’m a dad of three. Let me tell you how I got here. [Verse 1 – From Casablanca to France] I was born in Casablanca, that’s where it all began. I learned to stand back up when things didn’t go to plan. At thirty-five, I had two permanent job offers. One was in France, the other in Sherbrooke, Canada. Othman, my brother, if I’d chosen Canada, Maybe we’d have crossed paths one day. We’d still have lived far apart, But at least I could’ve said, “See you in Canada, mate!” I chose France because it’s closer to Morocco, And flights home cost less when there are five of us. I had a steady job, good pay and years of experience, But I took a chance and made that big decision. With my Talent Passport and my family by my side, We packed our bags and started a new life. [Verse 2 – Eight years in France, soft piano] It’s been eight years since we moved to France. I still miss Morocco, but moving back would be hard. My kids grew up here, and they’re still young. This is where they go to school and where their friends are. Nada, my oldest, is fourteen now. Sirine is eight, and Mohamed’s my little boy. He carries the name of my father and my grandfather. الله يرحمهم. When my father passed away, it changed my life. Losing him was one of the reasons I left Morocco. And when I call my little boy by his name, I think of my father and my grandfather again. [Chorus – Sing together] Life goes on, and so do I, One more word, one more try. If I lose my words, I’ll take my time, Then try again till they feel like mine. Tell me your story, I’ll tell you mine, We’ll learn together, one line at a time. I’m sharing mine because you’re close to me, IL ENG, you’re my second family. [Verse 3 – Starting over] My first job in France lasted four months, then they let me go. I said, “What if I work for myself? Let’s give it a go.” Now I’m a freelance z/OS consultant and technical lead. I help banks and insurers with the mainframe systems they need. I enjoy learning English, and I’ve got plans for what comes next. I want to lead a meeting and explain my work with confidence. I want to take courses and meet people around the world, And work with international teams from right here in France. [Bridge – Spoken in Darija] آ شعيب، الحياة كتكمل، وباقي قدّامك تحدّيات. راك بديتي من جديد من قبل. دابا خُذها خطوة بخطوة. الحمد لله، برضا الوالدين وبدعوات الخير ديالهم، راني عايش وواقف على رجليّ. [Verse 4 – A word to anyone starting out] If you get one shot at something you want to do, Go for it, even if it feels new to you. And if you’re waiting till you feel ready to speak, Say one sentence today. Say two next week. [Final Chorus – Sing together] Life goes on, and so do I, One more word, one more try. Tell me your story, I’ll tell you mine, We’ll learn together, one line at a time. I’m sharing mine because you’re close to me, IL ENG, you’re my second family. Good luck, my friends, with all you want to do. And when it’s your turn, we’ll listen to you. [Break – Spoken over the beat] My dear classmates, I’ll share the lyrics with you so you can read along and understand what I said. Listen once, then read along. Pick a line and sing it with the song. Say it slowly, then match the beat. Record yourself and listen back. Then repeat! I think making our own songs is a fun way to practise English. When we listen and repeat, we get used to the rhythm of English. That can help us follow native speakers when they talk. So grab your headphones and practise with me. And if you make a song of your own, I’d love to hear it! [Outro – Spoken, with a smile] Oh, and my birthday’s on the twentieth of February. Put it in your calendars! I’ll bring the music. Who’s bringing the cake? What about you, my friends? When’s your birthday? Let’s start with you, Mr Youssef. You guide us as we learn English, and we trust you. You help us feel comfortable enough to speak, even when we make mistakes. Now we’d love to hear your story, too. Could you tell us a little about yourself? And when’s your birthday? Mr Youssef, the mic is yours! 🎤