Ileng Familly

Lyrics

[0:00–0:10 | INTRO – Solo piano, soft female “Ahhh…”] (Mr Chouaib, spoken) Mr Youssef… can you hear me? I said “Hello” three times. Oh… my mic was off. IL ENG family, let’s go! [0:10–0:51 | VERSE 1 – Old-school rap, deep bass] Miss Sanaa says, “I’ll keep it short.” Two minutes later, we all want more. Miss Khadija says, “Just one little word.” Five new words later, I write down what I heard. Othman says, “Go on, Chouaib, you’re next!” I’m still on WhatsApp typing out my text. Mr Hamid says, “Go on, give it a try!” I say, “Good morning!” The moon’s in the sky. Mr Youssef asks, “What did you do today?” I know the answer… then the words run away. He says, “Take your time. Just tell me one thing.” I find my first word, then the rest come in. First voice note? Delete. Second one? Too slow. Third one sounds good. All right, here we go! I press send, and you all clap for me. That’s what I love about this family. [0:51–1:11 | CHORUS – Orchestral choir, dance groove] I-L-E-N-G! Sing it back to me! We all learn at our own pace, Every voice has got a place. From A1 to A2, I’m glad I get to learn with you. If I get a word wrong, laugh with me, Then say it one more time with me! [1:11–1:52 | VERSE 2 – Piano and bass, playful rap] My colleagues hear me say, “I’m running late.” At least my English is sounding great! Three metros and a train, I finally get home. Then class starts up and I grab my phone. Mr Youssef says, “Let’s practise ‘th’ today.” I try “three,” but “tree” gets in the way. I wanted three coffees, now I’ve got a tree. Miss Khadija says, “Save a branch for me!” Miss Sanaa laughs, and I laugh too. Then we all try “three” till the sound comes through. That’s how a word I used to fear Becomes the joke I love to hear. One day I’ll tell a story all the way through, And Mr Youssef, I’ll tell it to you. You heard my first “Hello” when it came out low. Look at us now. We’ve got our own show! [1:52–2:03 | BRIDGE – Piano, strings, soft female harmonies] شوية بشوية، من A1 لـ A2 شكراً أستاذ يوسف، فرحانين معاك One more word, one more try, Come on, family, sing it high! [2:03–2:33 | FINAL CHORUS – Full choir, stadium crowd] (Lead) From A1! (Crowd) To A2! (Lead) Mr Youssef! (Crowd) Thank you! (Choir and crowd) We all learn at our own pace, Every voice has got a place. I-L-E-N-G! You’re my English family! (Lead) Who’s on the mic? (Crowd) WE ARE! (Lead) Can you hear us now? (Full crowd) IL ENG FAMILY! [2:33–2:44 | OUTRO – Solo piano, fading crowd] (Mr Youssef, spoken) Chouaib… your mic is on. (Mr Chouaib, laughing) Finally! (Soft female “Ahhh…” over the piano. Last note rings out.)