If You Think You Can, You Can
Words and Music © 2017 Kayte Deioma, BMI
AuntieKayte.com

Orville and Wilbur Wright believed that man could fly.
So they built themselves a motor plane, and they gave that plane a try.
The first one didn't work. The second flew just a bit.
It took three more years of working hard, but the third plane was a hit.

CHORUS:

If you think you can, you can.
If you think you can't, you can't.
So believe in yourself with all your might
and keep trying and trying 'til you get it right.
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you can't.
So believe in yourself with all your might
and keep trying 'til you get it right.

Marie Curie spent her life studying radioactive ore.
She tested all the rocks to find which one could radiate more.
She found radium worked the best after many, many tries.
When she used it to heal people, she won the Nobel Prize.

CHORUS:

Thomas Edison saw the light bulb as an idea in his head.
It took over ten thousand experiments to get the light beside your bed.
The light bulb wasn't enough. There was still another glitch.
He couldn't turn off the light until he invented the on and off switch.

CHORUS:

As a little girl Sally Ride dreamed of being an astronaut.
She studied real hard at science and math and earned herself a spot.
Not every astronaut traineee can keep up the heavy pace
But in five short years Sally ride became the first American woman in space.

If you think you can, you can.
If you think you can't, you can't.
So believe in yourself with all your might
and keep trying and trying 'til you get it right.
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you can't.
So believe in yourself with all your might
Believe in yourself and hold on tight!
Believe in yourself and keep your goal in sight,
and keep trying 'til you get it right.

© 2017 Kayte Deioma

Notes on If You Think You Can, You Can

This song was inspired by Henry Ford's quote "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right," as well as all the other teachings about the power of belief. It's also based on research that shows that kids who are tought that success is the result of hard work, rather than just talent, are more likely to be successful in school and life.

In addition to hard work, it provides the opportunity to discuss the idea of experimenting versus practicing and trying again - discovery versus mastery - and the value of both in being successful.

The verses are targeted at school-age kids, probably best for 2nd to 5th grade, but the chorus can be used with younger kids and applied to everyday activities like tying shoes or stacking blocks.