Original subtitles

[instrumental music]

♪ Fair Eastside ♪

♪ By Thy side we'll stand ♪

♪ And always praise Thy name ♪

♪ And ever lend our hearts ♪

♪ And hands ♪

♪ To help increase ♪

♪ Thy fame ♪

♪ The honor ♪

♪ Of old Eastside High ♪

♪ Brings forth our loyalty ♪

♪ So cheer ♪

♪ For dear old Eastside High ♪

♪ Lead on to victory ♪♪

(Joe) 'As the tension mounts throughout the free world'

'the ladies have jumped off to a surprising'

'fifteen to nothing lead over the boys.'

Now, next question

bonus question for 20 points.

What is the origin

of our civil rights?

[ding]

The Magna Carta.

No, Tom, no.

- Ellen, take it. - English common law.

English common law, 20 point bonus.

The boys lose ten points for ringing the bell

without knowing the answer, it's a ten point loss.

Alright, the Magna Carta..

It was a document guaranteeing rights

but the rights of whom?

Uh, Stacey.

- The aristocracy. - The aristocracy.

Ten point bonus for the girls.

The aristocracy vis-a-vis the king.

The people, the people got their rights from the common well.

The common well. Hence..

Come on, come on, who knows?

- I know. - Uh, Anthony.

- Common wealth? - Common wealth.

Ten point bonus for the boys.

Alright, that's good, but, guys, watch out.

The girls have a 45 to nothing lead over you.

You're not doing too well. Okay, next two.

Come on. Let's go, quickly.

Alright. Here we go.

Bonus question for ten points.

Define the word, "Imbrue."

Ah-ha. I'll spell it for you.

I-M-B-R-U-E.

Imbrue.

[knock on door]

Mr. Clark, could your class do without you

for a minute or two?

Surely. Kids, take your seats. Quickly.

'Come on. Quickly.'

Take out your pencils. Write this down.

Imbrue, to taint

to stain.

The cancer of racism

imbrues our national character.

It stains the spirit

taints the soul.

It is a blot..

...a shameful

greasy spot on the fabric

of our national conscience.

Imbrue.

To taint, to stain.

Thirty words tomorrow. Test.

[indistinct chatter]

What's the matter?

They're holding a meeting

of the union executive board.

- Without us? - They didn't tell me, either.

Frank, I told you, I told you we couldn't trust them.

- Keep it down. - Keep it down?

Those no-good bastards sell us out

out of a union we got started?

Betray us like a bunch of Judases?

Well, then I got to crucify me.

No, sir, no. I got the hammer and the nails.

I'm not gonna be anybody's martyr, Frank. Nobody's.

- Okay. You.. - Now, don't contradict me, man.

I am sick and tired of weasels

and spineless gutless jellyfish!

(Frank) Okay, okay, save it for the meeting.

(Joe) Why, man? I got plenty.

I'm the Rockefeller of outrage.

What the hell are you people doing?

- We're having a meeting here. - You're selling us out, Lott.

Joe, nobody's selling you--

We cannot have an effective voice here.

Now, say in our own curriculum

be anything but impotent if we're gonna sell out

every time they threaten us.

Now, if you're gonna talk about this, call me in.

We have to stick together!

What we have to do is pay our bills. We have to--

You want to carry picket signs, get your picture in the paper.

Well, we just want to work.

We are tired of the agitation.

The-the posturing of crazy--

Posturing? How the hell can you talk about posturing, Lott?

When you're all the time bent over

kissing posteriors down at the school board?

Who the hell do you think you're talkin' to?

You want to step outside? Come on, come on.

If you had any nerve at all, you'd be fightin' on my side.

(male #1) 'Mr. Clark, I'm afraid that's a moot point.'

Now, we just found out ourselves that the board of education

has decided to grant us our salary increments

if we agree to accept their condition

'that you be transferred to school six..'

...and we agreed.

God bless you, man.

Pay your bills.

[door thuds]

- Joe? - They can go to hell.

Come on, Joe.

This place deserves

exactly what it gets.

[door closes]

[instrumental music]

[school bell ringing]

[music continues]

♪ Welcome to the jungle ♪

♪ We got fun and games ♪

♪ We got everything you want honey we know the names ♪

♪ We are the people that can find ♪

♪ Whatever you may need ♪

♪ If you've got the money honey ♪

♪ We got your disease in the jungle ♪

♪ Welcome to the jungle ♪

♪ Want to bring you to your shun ♪

♪ Na-na-na-na knees knees ♪

♪ I want to watch you bleed ♪

♪ Welcome to the jungle ♪

♪ We take it day by day ♪

♪ And if you want it you're gonna bleed ♪

♪ But this is the price you pay ♪

[indistinct yelling]

[screaming]

♪ You can taste the bright lights ♪

♪ But you won't get there for free ♪

♪ In the jungle welcome to the jungle ♪

[screaming]

[clamoring]

♪ I wanna hear you scream ♪

It's alright. Shh. It's alright.

It's alright. It's alright.

[screaming]

What are you doing? Go back to your class.

[screaming]

Leave me alone!

♪ Welcome to the jungle it gets worse here every day ♪

♪ Learn to live like an animal ♪

♪ In the jungle where we play ♪

♪ You got to remember what you see ♪

♪ You'll take it eventually ♪

♪ You can have anything you want ♪

♪ But you better not take it from me ♪

♪ In the jungle welcome to the jungle ♪

♪ Want to bring you to your ♪

♪ Na-na-na-na knees knees ♪

What's up, Brian?

♪ I'm gonna watch you bleed ♪

[music continues]

♪ When you're high you never ♪

♪ Ever want to come down ♪

♪ So down so down ♪

♪ So down ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ Eh-eh-eh-eh ehh ♪

[music continues]

[cocks gun]

[instrumental music]

Yo! Yo! Where's my money?

I said where's my money? Where's my money?

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Stop it, stop it, stop it.

[grunting]

[indistinct yelling]

[clamoring]

♪ In the jungle welcome to the jungle ♪

♪ Want to bring you to your ♪

♪ Na-na-na-na knees knees ♪

♪ In the jungle welcome to the jungle ♪

♪ Want to bring you to your ♪

♪ It's gonna bring you down ♪

♪ Huh ♪♪

[indistinct yelling]

Hey, why you fightin' us, man.

[indistinct yelling]

- Get in the locker. - Come on, man.

You're messin' up my books, man.

- I'm gonna tell-- - Markus, what are you doing?

Come on, let's go.

- Let him out. - What are you sayin'?

He's fine. He lives in there. He likes it.

[indistinct shouting]

[rattling]

Somebody!

Somebody, help! Somebody, help!

[indistinct yelling]

(Sams) 'Help somebody, please.'

'Somebody, help!'

'Somebody help!'

'Please, let me out!'

'Let me out, please! Help!'

'Somebody let me out!'

'I can't breathe!'

[banging]

'Somebody let me out, please!'

'I can't breathe. Somebody help me, please!'

'I can't breathe! Somebody open up the door!'

'Open the door, please! Somebody let me out!'

I don't believe it. I just don't goddamn believe it.

I-I've got an election coming up

and you hit me with this now?

Well, sir, the state report came in from Trenton just now.

And we..

Well, actually, they ranked the schools

and we were last in the state.

Oh, that's a crock.

They can't just take my schools away.

Sir, uh, you're quite right.

That's what I thought.

But.. Well, no.

- See, now, actually, they can. - What?

You see, the house passed a bill last week.

Seventy-five percent of high school students

must pass the minimum basic skills test

or the state takes control by the end of the school year.

Well, how many passed last year?

About 38 percent.

Thirty-eight percent?

What in God's name are they doing

down there at Eastside?

They were your appointees, Don.

Eh, now, wait a minute. Don't try to pin all this on me.

You're the superintendent of schools, remember?

Now, look, I'm not goin' down the tubes

just because those kids can't pass some test.

It's a can of worms, Don.

The only person who would take this job

is someone with nothing to lose and then

the question becomes what do we want with him?

I'm sitting here racking my brain trying--

You're sitting there settin' me up, Frank.

Look, I know you like a book.

No, wait a minute. No!

No, no, no, no, no.

Not that nut. No!

No way!

He's the only guy I can think of.

Oh, Lord, help us.

Here, Derrick, Derrick, Derrick, slow down, now.

- I am, Mr. Clark. - Atta boy.

- Slow down! - Bye, Mr. Clark.

- Bye, bye, baby. - Bye, Mr. Clark.

- So long, kids. - Hey, Joe.

What am I in some kind of trouble

you gotta bring your lawyer?

- Nah! - Rosenberg.

Hey, Joe. Hot for October.

- Oh, you're telling me. - How's it goin' over here?

Okay. Same old, same old. What brings you down here?

We just came from the mayor's office.

Seems they need a new principal at Eastside High.

Gotta get those test scores up.

He specifically thought of you.

- Sure. - Okay.

I thought of you.

All this time I've been stuck down here

and you come and ask me now, Frank?

I'm not a miracle worker, Joe.

Hello, Dr. Napier. I just saw your wife the other day.

Mr. Clark, before you go, the girls still need that room.

- They've got baking class. - Alright, Mrs. Hamilton.

And you know, we continue to find chewing gum

under the desks.

I will make an announcement in the morning

Mrs. Hamilton, will that satisfy you?

Mrs. Hamilton, you know Mr. Rosenberg

the school board attorney.

Oh, yes. How are you, Mr. Rosenberg?

Excuse us, Mrs. Hamilton.

Dr. Napier wants to inspect our new sandbox.

Our sandbox? Oh, well, I didn't mean to interrupt.

It's-it's good to see you, Dr. Napier.

Yes, yes.

Uh, Joe, I want you to forget

about what happened before.

This is a chance for us to make some changes

stop blowin' smoke up each other's butts

go in and see if we can turn this thing around.

You mean nobody else wants the job?

Well, nobody I'd want.

Well, you add my name to the list.

You know what? You're bullshit.

Frank, you're bullshit.

Don't talk to me about savin' those kids.

The mayor wants to save his budget

and you want to save your ass.

Well, so what?

You want the truth, Joe?

Yeah, Frank. Let's have some truth.

The truth is that for all your talkin'

and all your crazy Joe routine

what have you ever done? Nothing!

You're nothing but an insignificant man!

It's like you were never born.

Your life hasn't made one bit of difference

and neither has mine.

Want to take that to the grave?

[dramatic music]

We want to, uh, welcome Mr. Clark to Eastside.

'We've heard so much about you.'

A-and to tell you what we have done in anticipation

of your arrival, uh, uh, Ms. Levias

your other vice principal, and I have appointed

an executive committee to oversee certain areas

where we have noted a need for improvement.

Uh, Mr. Zirella for example--

You may sit down, Mr. O'Malley.

You think you can run this school?

If you could, then I wouldn't be here, would I?

No one talks in my meetings.

No one!

You take out your pencils and write.

I want the names of every hoodlum

drug dealer, and miscreant

who's done nothing, but take this place apart

on my desk by noon today.

- Reverend Slappy. - 'Yes, sir.'

You are now the chief custodian, Reverend Slappy.

You will scour this building clean.

Graffiti goes up, it's off the next day. Is that clear?

Yes, sir. The very next day.

Detention students can help you.

Let them scrub this place for a while.

And tear down those cages in the cafeteria.

You treat them like animals

that's exactly how they'll behave.

This is my new dean of security

Mr. William Wright.

He will be my avenging angel

as you teachers reclaim the halls.

This is an institution of learning, ladies and gentlemen.

If you can't control it, how can you teach?

Discipline is not the enemy of enthusiasm.

- Mr. Zirella. - Yes, sir?

Mr. Zirella, you are now my new head football coach.

Mr. Darnell. Stand up, Mr. Darnell.

Mr. Darnell will be your assistant.

You know why you're being demoted, Mr. Darnell?

Because I'm sick and tired of our football team

getting pushed all over the field. Thank you. Sit down.

I want precision. I want a weight program.

And if you don't like it, Mr. Darnell, you can quit.

'Same goes for the rest of you.'

You've tried it your way for years.

And your students can't even get past

a minimum basic skills test.

That means they can hardly read!

They've given me less than one year

one school year to turn this place around.

To get those test scores up

so the state will not take us over

to perform the task

which you have failed to do.

To educate our children!

Forget about the way it used to be.

This is not a damn democracy.

We are in a state of emergency

and my word is law!

There's only one boss in this place

and that's me.

The H-N-I-C.

Are there any questions?

Mr. Wright.

The H-N-I-C?

The Head *** In Charge.

Hello, everybody, right up here, right here.

Check this out.

[beatboxing]

♪ When I want the mic ♪

George, Brian, Sams?

They want you onstage.

Let's go. Right now.

- Mrs. Santos, what about us? - What about us?

What about you? What about me, huh?

Sit down. I said sit down.

- What do they want us for? - I don't know. Go. Go.

What you got to do around here

to get picked for somethin'?

- Maria, sit down. - You dirtbag!

♪ Get down ♪

♪ Get down ♪

♪ Some guys are lame they want my fame ♪

♪ I got a girl with juice ♪

♪ Her name is Deluce check it out ♪

Hey, check it out, look at Chita, Holmes.

Hey, man. Let her check me out, man.

What's wrong with you, man? What are you afraid of the girlies?

Go flash some cash, boy.

You want some? I'll give you some.

Go buy her some stupid gold.

Man, step off, man.

Ah, you're a chump.

[indistinct singing]

[cheering]

[indistinct chatter]

[clamoring]

[clamoring]

[cheering]

[clamoring]

- Is this normal? - I'm afraid it is.

Is everybody on the list up on the stage?

Yes, sir, I-I gave their names

to all the homeroom teachers.

♪ All the ladies in the house ♪

♪ Ladies with the crabs ♪

♪ Let me hear you say yeah ♪

♪ Who's got the crabs ♪♪

- Mr. Clark! - Oh, hello.

Don't you remember me? Kaneesha.

Kaneesha, how are you, baby?

- Hey, you know him? - Yeah.

- Oh, we go way back. - Fifth grade.

Yeah. How are things going?

- Well, okay. - Just okay?

Listen, you have any problems

I mean any problems, you come and see me.

I'm in my office every morning at 6 o'clock, okay?

- Okay. - Okay. Good to see ya.

He was my elementary school principal.

[clamoring]

Alright, people. Settle down now.

You people, get down off the seats. Settle down.

Settle down, boys and girls. Settle down.

May I have your attention?

Quiet!

Quiet down. Take your seats.

You people, sit down! Sit down!

Quiet down.

I am your new principal.

My name is Joe Clark.

I want you to be quiet!

I want you to listen!

'From here out, there will be'

no smoking in this school!

All of you who are smoking

put out your cigarettes

on the soles of your shoes

put the butts in your pockets. Now!

[clamoring]

You, there. You.

Put out your cigarette.

I'm going to ask the people upon the stage

to open with our school song.

Mr. Roland.

(male #2) 'Do you believe this guy?'

[indistinct shouting]

Suck my dick!

Yo! You sing the song. You sing it.

[clamoring]

(Joe) 'Alright. That's enough, Mr. Roland. That's enough.'

(female#1) Are you kidding?

I want all of you

to take a good look

at these people on the risers behind me.

These people have been here up to five years

and done absolutely nothing.

[clamoring]

These people are drug dealers

and drug users.

They have taken up space.

They have disrupted this school.

'They have harassed your teachers'

'and they have intimidated you.'

Well, times are about to change.

You will not be bothered in Joe Clark's school.

- Yeah! - Shh!

These people are incorrigible

and since none of them could graduate anyway

you are all expurgated.

[indistinct chatter]

You are dismissed.

You are out of here forever.

- I wish you well. - Holy shit.

Mr. Wright.

[clamoring]

I don't need your school.

I'm goin' in the air force, man.

Know what I'm sayin'?

[indistinct chatter]

You know what I'm sayin'? I told you, man.

You ain't nobody. You ain't nobody, man.

I'm gonna get you, man. You ain't nobody, money.

[clamoring]

[indistinct chatter]

Next time it may be you.

If you do no better than they did

next time it will be you.

They said this school was dead

'like the cemetery it's built on'

but we call our Eastside

teams Ghosts, don't we?

And what are ghosts?

Ghosts are spirits

that rise from the dead.

I want you to be my ghosts.

You are going to lead

'our resurrection'

'by defying the expectation'

'that all of us'

are doomed to failure.

My motto is simple.

If you do not succeed in life

I don't want you to blame your parents.

'I don't want you to blame the white man.'

I want you to blame yourselves.

The responsibility is yours!

In two weeks, we have a practice exam

and the minimum basic skills

test on April 13th.

That's a 110 school days from now.

But it's not just about those test scores.

If you do not have

these basic skills

you will find yourselves

locked out

'locked out of that American dream'

that you see advertised on TV

that they tell you is so easy to get.

You are here for one reason

one reason only

to learn

to work for what you want.

The alternative

is to waste your time

and to fall into the trap

'of crime, drugs'

and death.

Does everyone understand that?

Do all of you understand me?

Then welcome to the new Eastside High.

Mr. Clark don't play.

What happened this mornin' is an outrage.

- 'Damn right.' - My boy's no criminal.

He and those children belong in school

not back out on the street.

- 'You're a fascist, Clark!' - Our kids don't deserve this!

Some of those children are smart.

They're just discouraged about

what chances they got out there.

What kind of jobs they got waitin' for them.

Now, what kind of chance do they have?

(male #3) 'He don't care, it ain't his kid.'

He insulted the black football coach.

- Oh, sit down! - The man's gone crazy.

He's declared war on his own people.

May I remind you, Ms. Barrett

that Mr. Clark was nice enough

to come to this emergency meeting

after a very trying day.

That's what he gets paid for.

I think we owe him a chance to respond.

[cheering]

[booing]

[clamoring]

They say

"One bad apple spoils the bunch."

(male #4) 'My son ain't no bad apple!'

Well, what about 300?

[clamoring]

(Clark) 'Rotten to the core.'

[clamoring]

Now, you're right, Mrs. Barrett.

- This is a war. - 'Yeah.'

It's a war to save

2700 other students

most of whom don't have the basic skills

to pass the state exam.

[clamoring]

Now, if you want to help us, fine.

Sit down with your kids and make 'em study at night.

Go get your families off welfare.

How dare you talk to these people about welfare!

Give our children some pride.

Let 'em get their priorities straight.

When Dr. Napier came

to me offering this job

I saw the lightning flash.

- 'Alright!' - I heard the thunder roll.

[indistinct chatter]

I felt breakers crashing

swamping my soul.

We are not in church, Mr. Clark!

I fell down on my knees

and I cried, "My God!

- Why has Thou forsaken me?" - 'Tell 'em about it.'

And the Lord said, "Joe..

...you're no damn good."

No, no. I mean this

more than you realize.

"You're no earthly good at all

"unless you take this opportunity

and do whatever you have to."

And he didn't say, "Joe, be polite."

- That's right. - Yeah.

[applause]

Do whatever you have to

to transform

and transmogrify this school

into a special place

where the hearts and souls and minds

of the young can rise!

Where they can grow tall and blossom

out from under the shadows of the past

where the minds of the young are set free.

That's right!

[applause]

And I gave

my word to God.

[indistinct chatter]

And that's why I threw those bastards out.

[cheering]

And that's all I'm going to say.

[instrumental music]

[applause]

[indistinct chatter]

[clamoring]

[intense music]

Mr. Clark, I wanted to talk to you

about those kids you threw out yesterday.

Well, what about them?

Well, I was one of 'em

but you made some kinda mistake.

- Mistake? - Yes, sir.

What's your name, son?

Sams. Thomas Sams.

Thomas Sams. Thomas Sams.

- You're a freshman? - Yes, sir.

Cutting class and smoking crack, Mr. Sams.

- There's no mistake. - No, sir.

It wasn't me, sir.

I swear it wasn't.

- It wasn't you, huh? - No.

Do you think I'm stupid, son?

- No, sir. - Yes, you do.

You're tryin' to con a con man.

You're not even learning anything

on the streets, are you?

You come with me.

[door closes]

[wind howling]

What are you doin'? What's up here?

Now, let me tell you something.

The trouble with being a teenager

is you don't know nothin'.

The problem with teenagers is you think you're smarter

than people who've already been down

the road you're travelin'.

You know what I'm tryin' to say to you, boy?

- Do you? - Yes, sir.

Did you tell your father I threw you out of school?

- Look at me, damn it! - No, sir.

Why not?

No guts, huh?

Afraid of what he's gonna say to you, aren't ya?

My father doesn't live with us anymore, sir.

Oh, is that what you're doin', now?

Goin' around feeling sorry for yourself, boy, huh?

Go on, get outta here! You're wastin' my time!

Please let me back, sir.

[sobbing] I have to get back at school.

I can't go home and tell my mama

I got kicked outta school.

Now, why should I let you back into my school, Sams?

[sobbing] 'Cause I'm gonna do better, sir.

How?

- By doin' my work. - What else?

And stayin' out of trouble.

What have you been thinkin' about all this time?

Why should I believe you now?

Because I changed my ways.

I don't believe you, Sams.

I don't think you've changed a thing.

- Go on, jump! - No. I don't wanna jump.

Yes, you do!

You smoke crack, don't you?

You smoke crack, don't you?

Look at me, boy! Don't you smoke crack?

Y-y-yes, sir.

You know what that does to you?

- Huh? - No, sir.

It kills your brain cells, son.

It kills your brain cells.

Now, when you're destroying your brain cells

you're doing the same thing as killing yourself

you're just doing it slower!

Now, I say if you want to kill yourself

don't fuck around with it, go on and do it expeditiously!

Now, go on and jump! Jump.

No. I don't want to kill myself, sir.

You're quite sure about this, are ya?

Yes, sir.

Alright, Sams, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do.

I'm gonna go back on my own word just this once

and let you back into my school

'cause you're still a baby, and you don't know shit.

But you understand this, boy.

You're not gonna get a moment's rest.

I'm gonna be on your case every minute.

You mess up just once

and you're outta here.

Now, you understand me?

- Do you understand me? - Yes, sir.

[siren wailing in distance]

Now, go on back downstairs.

[sighs]

[music on radio]

[indistinct chatter]

Alright, people. Let's settle down in here.

Now, settle down. Quiet down.

Let those who are trying to eat their lunch digest.

Robert, boy, get outta here, you had lunch

at fourth period, go on.

If Mr. O'Malley didn't do anything

Mr. Clark isn't gonna do anything.

Louisa, you're lookin' mighty good today.

Gonna have to tell these boys to watch out.

You kids having any problems?

Yeah. I mean, she is.

- Tell him. - Louisa?

Well, Mr. Clark, why do I have to take Home Ec?

I wanna take auto shop.

Now I have brothers and sisters. My mother works.

I have been cooking for 11 years.

Does it look like I don't cook?

I want you to take this to Mr. O'Malley.

You know how much auto mechanics make?

Seventeen dollars an hour.

(male #5) 'That girl right there, man.'

[indistinct chatter]

Yo, sweetheart. Right here. I got hunger pains, baby.

You could be my lunch. Just come on over. Ah! Ah!

Boy, get off this table! Sit down.

- Get your hormones together! - No hormones.

This ain't no hormones. She's fly, man. She's a fox.

Didn't I just see you downstairs with your arms around Clarisse?

- Clarisse? - Clarisse.

You honked out with that skeezer?

No, no, no, no, no. I never.. Check it out.

Check it out, check it out. It was only one time.

- One time. - Chill out, man!

- Richard, Richard. - Yes, sir.

Listen, for your first job as class president

I want to build us an atrium.

You come and track me down tomorrow

and we'll talk about it, okay?

Alright, don't worry about it, Mr. Clark.

- Hey, hi, Mr. Clark. What's up? - Hey, how you doin', brother?

Good to see you. Alright. Oh, you? Hey!

- Yes, Mr. Clark? - What's your name, son?

- Kid Ray. How you doin'? - Kid Ray, huh? Nice suit.

Hey, just like you, Mr. Clark.

Gotta look the part. Gotta have the juice.

Ha! These kids don't understand that.

[indistinct chatter]

- Hey! What are you-- - Sams!

Put it back! Put it back!

How many times have I told you, boy? Put that down.

Put something in your head and not on it.

Pull your pants up!

Show some kind of dignity!

Have some sense!

What's he doin' hangin' out with you boys. You're all seniors?

You're providing a deleterious influence here.

Uh, Mr. Clark, he's my cousin.

We was just goin' over music.

Music, huh?

Come here.

Let me have your attention.

Everyone quiet down!

I want all radios off instantaneously.

All radios off.

I want all of you

to look at this..

...slovenly, sloppy boy here..

[all laughing]

...as an example

of how not to dress.

'Now, if you look like this'

'when you look in your mirrors in the morning'

find something else to put on.

Self-respect permeates

every aspect of your lives.

If you don't have it for yourselves

you're not gonna get it from anywhere.

Now, to prove their self-respect

Mr. Sams and his friends here.

You boys stand up.

- Shit, man. - I'm gonna pound him.

Mr. Sams and his friends are going to sing

our school song.

I want absolute silence.

No one is permitted to move

during the singing of the school song.

Alright. Let's hear it.

♪ Fair Eastside ♪

♪ By the road ♪

Mr. Darnell, no one is permitted to move during

'the singing of the song!'

I was picking up a piece of trash.

Report to my office! Immediately!

- 'Woo!' - 'Quiet! Quiet in here!'

[Sams laughing]

Alright. Continue.

♪ So cheer for.. ♪

You boys are on detention.

Three days each.

You will learn this song or next time

you'll be suspended.

This goes for everybody!

You will sing the school song upon demand

or you will suffer dire consequences!

Mr. Wright, take this

riffraff to my office.

♪ Hit the road Jack and don't you come back ♪

♪ No more no more no more no more ♪

♪ Hit the road Jack ♪

♪ And don't you come back no more ♪

♪ What you say? ♪♪

♪ O o glorious ♪

♪ Is Thy name ♪

♪ O mighty Lord ♪

[piano music]

♪ Glorious is Thy name ♪♪

People, what are you.. Can I help you, Mr. Clark?

Yes, you may, Mrs. Elliott.

I want everyone in Eastside High to learn the school song

and to sing it on demand or be suspended.

- Now, can you see to that? - Yes. Certainly, Mr. Clark.

Alright, everyone from the top--

Mrs. Elliott, may I see you

in the hall, please?

- Now? - Yes, now!

Mrs. Powers, will you please see

if you can get these people together?

Mm-hmm.

If you sing like that in New York

we will not be invited back.

Mrs. Elliot, I don't like being ignored like that.

I'm sorry, Mr. Clark, if you weren't getting enough attention

but I'm trying to train a chorus.

And you don't think the school song is important enough

to warrant a little interruption, is that right?

The school song is fine, but we were doing Mozart.

I was right in the middle of a difficult part.

If you would like us to respect your work

you could try to appreciate ours.

Who do you think you're talkin' to?

A man who seems to be threatened when any other adult

in this school does something that the children like.

Mrs. Powers, I want it quiet in here right now!

[door slams]

I would love to chat, Mr. Clark

but I have a concert next week in New York

and I would like to be prepared.

- What? - Prepared.

You do know what that means.

It means capable, ready, and up to your job.

- What concert, Mrs. Elliot? - The one at Lincoln Center.

- We do it every year. - Until now.

Your concert is canceled.

- What? - Cancelled!

You do know what canceled means, don't you, Ms. Elliot?

Over, finished, terminated!

Why? These children have worked too hard!

For not telling me for one thing.

Oh, I filed a form in your office! Why don't you--

And for rank insubordination!

You've questioned my judgment

my competence, my intelligence!

You're the one who comes around here to bother me.

You-you're a bully, a despicable man! I've nothing to say to you.

Alright. Let's accommodate that, Mrs. Elliot. You're fired!

- You need a psychiatrist! - Get out! Right now!

Fine! Fine. Fired? Fired.

You will hear from my lawyer!

[typewriter keys clacking]

[phone ringing]

- 'Mr. Clark.' - Ms. Levias.

These miscreants don't know the school song.

They've got three days detention.

Mr. Darnell, into my office.

Okay, fellas, come on up.

Mr. Clark, just what was that all about?

I distinctly said no one move

during the singing of the school song.

Now, if you can't understand that

find yourself another place to work.

I was picking up a piece of paper!

You contradicted me in front of my students!

They're my students too!

They are my students, Mr. Darnell!

Just what are you tryin' to prove?

I'm workin' my ass off for you.

Took the demotion. I'm doing my job!

Now, you're just getting your rocks off

by treating me like trash.

No, sir. That's what you were picking up.

Goddamn it!

You give me the goddamn respect

you would damn well want yourself

or I will kick your black ass!

You are suspended, sir, as of right now!

Get out!

Ah!

[door slams]

- Oh, my God! - What is going on?

Mr. Darnell is suspended, indefinitely.

You don't have the power to suspend a teacher!

Then I can recommend. Ms. Ruiz, get me the forms.

- Yes, sir. - Mr. Clark, please.

Mr. Darnell is more than just a football coach.

- He teaches English! - Not anymore.

But the state practice test is tomorrow.

Do you have to do this now?

- Ms. Levias, if I said-- - Mr. Clark?

What do you want? What?

Uh-uh, it could wait.

Mr. Clark, do you have any idea

of the chaos you have caused around here?

Nobody knows what you're doing!

That's exactly the way I like it!

♪ Never made first period for one year straight ♪

♪ Forget a diploma it's education I hate ♪

♪ I feel like grabbin' my books and just drapin' it ♪

♪ 'Cause the way I'm feelin' I ain't makin' it ♪

♪ I ain't makin' it ♪

[instrumental music]

♪ School's a place I don't really want to be in ♪

♪ The day I quit that's it I'm leavin' ♪

♪ When people tell me about gettin' grades up ♪

♪ My reply am I gettin' paid or what? ♪

♪ Right in the mornin' my alarm awakes me ♪

♪ My moms won't she's a witch she hates me ♪

♪ Failin' all my classes I don't give a damn ♪

[music continues]

♪ Success I ain't makin' it ♪♪

Stay to your right. You know where your classes are.

Now, get to them. Alright, people, come on, now.

We got 20 seconds to the bell. Let's go.

Sams. Sams? Come here.

- Where you going? - Lunch.

- Huh? - Lunch.

Alright, now, listen try to eat some vegetables

for a change, okay?

Lay off those muffins.

Alright, I'll see you later, Mr. Clark.

Alright, now, don't bunch up down there, people.

That doesn't concern you, now.

We'll tell you about it later.

[school bell ringing]

Alright, Richard. It's all yours.

We have two groups we'd like to thank today.

The Black and Hispanic alumni groups

for giving us the sofas and the armchairs.

It kind of makes the school seem, as Mr. Clark would say

a home away from home.

- We'd also like to thank.. - Having fun?

As a matter of fact I am.

The fact of the matter is I haven't heard a word

about those test scores.

They'll send them as they've processed--

Send them how, by Pony Express?

Am I supposed to wait for them?

Why don't you get yourself down to Trenton

where they're probably rotting on some desk.

Bring them back here where they can do some good.

...the town, but didn't live quite long enough to regret it.

But now, ladies and gentlemen, for the grand finale

Ms. Levias, if you would..

Our very own

Passaic River Falls.

[applause]

Good job. You're doin' very well, son.

- I'm very proud of you. - 'Mr. Clark!'

Mr. Clark, come to the cafeteria quick!

Some guy beatin' up Kid Ray!

[dramatic music]

[grunting]

Hey, stop it! Stop it!

[thuds]

Come on, old man. I been waitin' for this.

Come on. Come on.

[all gasping]

Get this disgrace to his race out of here!

You already threw this disgrace out once.

Then what's he doing back, Mr. Wright?

Someone must have let him in from the inside.

[indistinct chatter]

I want every door in this school chained and locked.

- All of 'em! - Yes, sir.

[applauding]

[instrumental music]

Hi, Mr. Clark.

Oh, hi, kids. How ya doin'?

- Hi. - Fine.

Hi, Mr. Clark. What's up?

Hi, Nathalee.

Kaneesha?

What's the matter, doll?

Kaneesha?

Now, I told you if you have any problems

you come and see me.

Come on, now. I've known you more than half your life.

What's the matter?

How are your grades?

- Hmm? - They're not too good.

Well, why not? You're a smart girl.

You shouldn't be having any problems.

I don't have no place to live.

Well, where's your mother?

She don't want me no more.

Now, here. Come with me. Come on.

I'll see what I can do about this.

Come on.

Ms. Levias? You know Kaneesha Carter here.

You go on in to Ms. Ruiz.

- Is he alright? - He'll survive.

Kaneesha here is havin' a problem at home.

I want you to pull her file

talk to her, and then get back to me.

Okay. Come on, Kaneesha.

[instrumental music]

♪ Because it ♪

♪ Never made a difference ♪

♪ I never paid attention to the sound ♪

♪ Of my own despair ♪

♪ There was ♪

♪ Never no feelin' ♪

♪ Never not needing that child ♪

♪ Even though ♪

♪ I couldn't always be there ♪

♪ And time don't wait on love ♪

♪ Now ♪

♪ Life don't wait ♪

♪ For a break in the weather ♪

♪ What if I'm left with no love at all? ♪

[knocking on door]

♪ No love at all? ♪

[knocking on door]

Who's there?

(Levias) 'Mrs. Carter?'

Mrs. Carter doesn't live here.

(Kaneesha) 'Mama, it's me.'

(Levias) 'Mrs. Carter, it's Joan Levias from Eastside.'

'I'm here with Mr. Clark.'

♪ 'Cause time don't wait on love ♪

♪ Now ♪

♪ And life don't send you an invitation ♪

Been a long time, Mrs. Carter.

Please.

Come in.

♪ No love at all ♪♪

I've been meaning to come by and talk to you.

Mind if I try and act civilized for a moment?

Offered you two a seat.

Mrs. Carter, I ran into Kaneesha in the halls.

Talkin' about her grades.

'She says you don't want her around anymore.'

I don't expect your sympathy, but I ruined my life.

I know that's my business to deal with that.

It's been hard enough.

(Joe) 'When Kaneesha was in the fifth grade,'

you were one of my most active parents.

You were always at school helping out. I don't--

We don't mean to pry, Mrs. Carter

but...Kaneesha has a gift.

She has that spark and we have to look after her.

Why would she think you wouldn't want her?

I had Kaneesha when I was 15.

I didn't want no welfare so I quit school

worked, came home at night

didn't have no life.

So, when she was old enough to take care of herself

or so I thought, I ran out and got one. Facts.

Is that what you're doing now?

I'm just now getting back on my feet, you know?

As I get clean..

...I see myself for what I am..

...and I hate it.

And I don't want her to see me like this no more.

So, when the people from the foster home came by

I thought it was the right thing to do.

Why would I wanna get rid of her?

I love her..

'...more than myself.'

(Joe) Mrs. Carter..

...if we helped you find a job..

...a better place to live..

...would that help?

Because, frankly, I don't see Kaneesha makin' it without you.

Do you understand?

Yeah.

Good.

Thanks, Bob. We'll talk tomorrow.

- What was that all about? - Chains on the doors.

Thought you people didn't like chains.

You see this yet?

(Frank) 'You know, all of your shit comes down on my head.'

- Oh, Frank, look. This is-- - No, you let me talk.

It's like you're a big bird with radar.

And I'm tired of getting hit.

- What? Is this my fault? - This is nothing!

I've got union lawyers threatening me.

- And there's talk of a walkout. - Well, let 'em!

They're not teachin' anything down there anyway.

Then it's your job to do something about it!

Not one of 'em has a personal stake in that school

Frank, not one!

The fire chief was just here

he says it's illegal to bar those doors.

Mrs. Barrett is organizing a parents' group

to try to get you removed, since you insulted them

at that meeting the other night when you

just suggested that they get off welfare!

Oh, I didn't mean it.

Because the fact is quite a few of them need it.

Look, I wasn't talking to all of 'em, Frank.

Now, look, you came and recruited me, man.

You disappoint me, brother.

You disappoint me.

The disappointment here is you!

- Me? - Yes!

Look, you know who I am. You've known me 30 years.

You knew what I would do? You know how I operate--

***, can you keep quiet?

The fact is you're screwin' up!

You're alienating everybody!

Look at you, you have no life.

Your wife left you. I ought to walk out on you myself!

Well, go ahead, bail the hell on out!

But said I said I would back you up!

That's what you said, Frank! That's what you said!

Brother, I will go through the fire with you.

But you are not taking care of business.

This shit you're pulling now, you've just gone plain loco!

And you suspend Darnell! What the hell was that?

Darnell is symptomatic of the disciplinary problems..

He is a good, strong, young black teacher!

So, he dumped that desk right on top of your head.

Well, right on. Good for him.

You will reinstate that man! You hear?

And then you fire Mrs. Elliott. Why?

'Cause she didn't want to kiss your ass.

Well, I wouldn't either! How 'bout that?

Mrs. Elliott has an ego problem.

Yeah, well, you lost the best teacher we had.

We couldn't get her back now if we wanted to--

I don't have time for Mrs. Elliott's problem.

Then you better make time.

We are being crucified

by a process that is turning

blacks into a permanent underclass here, Frank.

A permanent underclass.

No, oh, see? Nobody wants to talk about that! Nobody.

Mrs. Elliott's missionary zeal about Mozart

has nothing to do with our problem! Nothin'!

What good is Mozart gonna do to a bunch of children

who can't go out and get a job?

Joe..

...your personal battles are gonna cost us the war.

Worry about the test scores.

What the hell you think I'm worried about, Frank!

End of discussion! Debate is over!

You will write a formal apology.

- I will what? - A formal apology.

For your treatment of Mrs. Elliott and Darnell

and for your vicious and thoughtless insult

to the women of this community!

You will kowtow, you will step and fetch.

- Frank, if you think you-- - Get used to it!

It's the way of the world!

If you're so hot on discipline

then goddammit start by accepting mine.

'Cause contrary to popular opinion

I am the head *** in charge!

Come on. Let's get somethin' to eat.

Boy..

You really think you bad, don't you?

You're all in violation of the fire code!

And you cannot prevent me from going into this building.

Look, how many times do I have to tell you.

You're not getting in, and that's that.

(Gaines) You have no right to lock these doors.

And I have a duty to inspect this plant.

This is not a plant, Chief Gaines. This is my school.

If you wanna get in here you'll apply for a pass

just like everyone else. You and your TV friends here.

- What the hell is the bat for? - Yeah?

They used to call me crazy Joe.

Well, now they can call me a batman.

I got thugs, drug dealers and business of all kinds

trying to get into my school.

You might be one. I don't know.

Are you crazy? Are you nuts?

I got all day, Chief Gaines. How much time do you have?

I'll be back, Clark. I'll be back!

[indistinct chatter]

Thanks, Mr. Darnell. Good to have you back.

Mr. Clark, you shouldn't have fired me in the first place.

Well, you're right, but don't get used to it.

Mr. Clark, why did you lock the school?

Aren't you concerned about your students' safety?

Get these people back to their classes.

Yes sir. Alright, kids, please.

Come on honey, get back to your class.

You're playing right into his hands. That was the fire chief.

You know what he's saying right now?

"Black bastard can't throw me out!"

Do you know where he's saying it? Out in the parking lot.

Mr. Clark, a baseball bat?

Is that the image you wanna project?

If they'd got me those emergency doors

that sound an alarm when you open them up

like the ones the white schools have

I wouldn't have to chain 'em.

Those doors cost a fortune.

We don't have enough money for books.

Well, tell the mayor that!

Call the Federal Government and tell 'em get me more money.

Never mind what I'm doing.

Why don't you do what I ask you to do?

Where are those test scores I asked you to get me?

- Hey, Mr. Clark. Alright. - Hi, kid. How you doing?

Where you been the last couple of days?

- I was sick. - Sick, huh?

- Hi, Mr. Clark. - Hi, Eric.

What was that altercation about?

Alteration? What, are my pants too tight?

The fight you had in the cafeteria.

Now, come on, son. Don't get cute with me.

Mr. Clark, I've already had enough shit from this. Okay?

Well, why did he come after you?

You dealing drugs in my school?

Mr. Clark, we don't need to get into this.

I just came here to tell you something.

I don't think I'm cut out for this, you know, school and all.

I just came to say goodbye.

Droppin' out on me, huh?

I'm not droppin' out. I'm movin' on. I got--

You'll be dead in a year, son.

You hear what I'm sayin'?

You'll be dead in a year.

Mr. Clark, I gotta go.

[indistinct chatter]

[beat boxing]

You know, baby, I look at you

and I want to do the hootchie-cootchie.

Hootchie-cootchie, that's what I'm doing, baby.

You know, sometime, baby..

Oh, come on, fellas. Not again.

Come on.

Sams, freeze.

Where are you running off to?

And why don't you have a book in your hand?

I got lunch and gym and the teachers says--

Why did I let you back in here?

To get an education, sir.

How you gonna get an education if you don't read?

I read.

When do you get your report card?

Next week. Ms. James says I'm gettin' a B.

- I knew you were smart. - I know it, too, huh.

See you later, okay, Mr. Clark.

Nice tie.

Sams, get back here.

(Joe) Let's see what you got in here.

You don't wanna go in there, Mr. Clark. It stinks.

[indistinct chatter]

My, my, my.

Aren't you my little songbirds from the cafeteria?

Weren't they with you?

Who, these guys? Heh-heh.

Well, I'm sure you've learned the school song by now.

You better know it.

Because this time if you don't get it right

you're suspended for 10 days each.

Now, is that clear?

- Is that clear? - Yes, sir.

Alright, then, the school song

let me hear it.

Alright, fellas, let him hear it.

♪ Fair Eastside ♪

♪ Fair Eastsi-i-ide ♪

♪ Fair Eastside ♪

♪ By thy side ♪

♪ We'll stand ♪

♪ And always ♪

♪ Praise thy name ♪

♪ Praise thy name praise thy name ♪

♪ To heaven yeah ♪

♪ Lend our hearts ♪

♪ And hands ♪

♪ To help increase ♪

♪ Thy fame ♪

♪ Ooh Lord ♪

♪ The honor yeah ♪

♪ Of old Eastside High ♪

♪ Calls forth ♪

♪ Our loyalty ♪

♪ Loyalty loyalty ♪

♪ So cheer ♪♪

Alright, alright!

Who taught you that?

Answer me!

I know you didn't do it yourselves.

- Sams? - What?

Who taught you this song?

Speak up!

Mrs. Powers.

Mrs. Powers, eh?

'Come with me. All of you.'

[sighs]

♪ Out this world ♪

♪ Gonna shoulder up my cross ♪

♪ Gonna take it home to my Jesus ♪

♪ Ain't that good news?

♪ I got a savior in that kingdom ♪

♪ Ain't that good news? ♪

♪ I got a savior in that kingdom ♪

♪ Ain't that good news? I got.. ♪♪

No, no, no, people. Oh, no, no, no.

Now, you must remember

we need intonation

phonation, accuracy, and pitch!

Now, this is your note.

[piano music]

- Mrs. Powers. - Yes, sir.

These hoodlums have told me something I can't believe.

Are you the one who changed the school song like that?

- Mrs. Powers-- - Let her answer.

Well, sir, the children thought

the song was a bit boring.

Boring, huh?

Mrs. Powers, I have never heard a school song like that.

And I certainly never authorized you to change it.

Did I?

Did I?

No, you didn't.

I want everyone in this school to learn that song

in English and Spanish. Immediately.

Take a bow, Mrs. Powers. You've rewritten our Alma Mater.

[all cheering]

♪ The honor ♪

♪ Of old Eastside High ♪

♪ Brings forth our loyalty ♪

♪ Loyalty loyalty ♪

♪ So cheer for dear ♪

♪ Old Eastside ♪

How's it going?

What you got in there, Malachi?

- My future. - Alright.

♪ All aboard Eastside ♪

♪ All aboard all aboard ♪

♪ Yes Eastside ♪

♪ All aboard all aboard ♪

How's it going, Mr. Darnell?

Good, good, good. That's great.

♪ High ♪

♪ Ge-e-et ♪

Hi.

♪ Fellas? ♪

♪ On ♪

♪ That ♪

♪ Train ♪

♪ Train ♪

♪ Train ♪♪

Ms. Levias..

- Hi, Mr. Clark. - Hi, kids.

I just heard something you would not believe.

You would not believe.

- Uh, Mr. Clark, - Mr. Clark.

Mr. O'Malley just brought this from Trenton.

The school's practice test.

I had to wait all this time for this?

Next time I order you to go get something

you better damn well go get it yourself!

- Oh, no. - Oh, my God.

[whistling]

Alright, gimme your attention up here, everyone.

Settle down.

First three rows take four steps forward.

Right now! Come on!

One, two, three, four.

Okay, that's good. Turn around.

Hold it, Mr. O'Malley!

What's your excuse?

Oh, I, I had this big stack of forms I was filling out

I-I looked up, I didn't know what time it was.

Mr. Clark, what can you do?

This is a prime example of the kind of inefficiency

and apathy that is destroying this school, people.

Mr. O'Malley, I can't believe you as bad as you seem.

So, I'm going to give you a chance to revitalize your image.

I want you to set up a student-peer tutoring program.

We'll see if the students can't help themselves.

'Cause Lord knows you teachers aren't doing the job.

- Ms. Levias. - Yes, sir.

I want remedial reading on Saturdays.

We'll have to ask for volunteers at regular pay

because we can't afford overtime.

- Mr. Clark. - Yes, Mrs. Santos?

The problem isn't our pay.

What is the problem as you see it, Mrs. Santos?

How to get the students in on Saturday, sir.

You hear that, people?

Mrs. Santos asked how do we get the students

in on Saturdays for remedial reading?

Well, I'll tell you how.

We'll go to their homes.

We will talk to their folks.

If their folks can't read

they can come in too.

The only way we're going to get anything done

is to get everyone involved.

And that goes for all of you!

It's time to get involved.

Everyone in this section..

...put both your hands above your heads.

Raise your hands!

Put 'em up!

You people represent the 70 percent of our students

who just failed the practice exam.

Seventy percent!

But that is not their failure.

'I don't blame them.'

The failure is yours.

That's right, yours.

How many hours do you spend preparing your lesson plans?

How often do you stay after school

to give those children, the ones you know need it

the extra help that they require?

Keep your hands up.

Now you are getting a hint

of the kind of hopelessness and shame

that makes those failing students

throw up their hands at the thought of facing a world

for which you have not prepared them.

You are getting the merest inkling of the despair

they feel when left to the mercy of the streets.

Keep your hands up high.

Now, look around at yourselves.

Turn and look at yourselves!

Because you are failing to educate them.

This is the posture that many of our students will wind up in.

Only they'll be staring down the barrel of a gun!

[instrumental music]

♪ Ooh yeah yeah ♪

♪ Ahh ha ha ♪

♪ If a man is born in luxury ♪

♪ It proves to me through history ♪

♪ He is somebody ♪

♪ If a man is born in poverty ♪

♪ Privation and misery ♪

♪ He is nobody ♪

♪ Everybody is somebody ♪

♪ Nobody is nobody ♪

♪ I mean apart from all the wealthy ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Everybody is somebody ♪

♪ Oh yeah ♪

♪ So look at me here man ♪

♪ Ooh ooh ooh ♪

♪ Oh yeah ♪

♪ Ooh ooh ooh ♪

♪ Poverty is what what it takes ♪

♪ It makes such dangerous ♪

♪ Mistakes about who ♪

♪ Who is somebody ♪

♪ When a woman has a child ♪ ♪ Oh yeah ♪

♪ Before that child is born ♪ ♪ Oh yeah ♪

♪ She she is somebody ♪

♪ Everybody is somebody ♪

♪ Somebody ♪

♪ Nobody is nobody ♪

♪ I mean apart from all the wealthy ♪

♪ Doo doo doo doo doo ♪ ♪ Everybody is somebody ♪

♪ Everybody is somebody ♪

♪ Yeah oh yeah ♪

♪ Everybody is somebody ♪

[indistinct singing]

♪ Nobody is nobody ♪

♪ Oh oh ♪♪

[indistinct chanting]

Alright, you guys. Forget it, forget it.

Alright, man. Uh..

I got one. I got one. Who's this? Who's this?

Alright, people, move to the right of the halls.

Move expeditiously. How you doin'?

Francesca, darling. Come on over here.

How you doin'? Good to see you.

- Fine, Mr. Clark. - How's your sister doin'?

Oh, not so good, Mr. Clark. I think she broke her leg.

She broke her leg? That's good. That's good. Yeah.

Listen, uh, you have any problem whatsoever

you come to my office. You understand?

- I'm gonna give you the key. - Ooh, your office?

Ooh, that ain't the key.

[laughing]

Sams, Sams. Where's Sams? Anybody see Sams? Sams?

- Pull your pants up, son. - Stop, stop, stop..

I tell you, put somethin' in your..

Clarence, come here. Get your hormones under control, boy.

Let-let me feel your butt. Turn around.

Clarence.

Clarence, just what do you think you're doing?

I was just, I wa..

I was just, um, oh, I was..

(Joe) 'Francesca, come here.'

What is he doing? Is that me?

Can he do me? Does he have the juice?

No way, Mr. Clark.

Clarence, you report to my office.

Yo, Mr. Clark, I was just foolin' around.

Got ya.

[all laughing]

♪ How do you learn the alphabet ♪

♪ Be on time.. ♪

Come on, Sams! You can do it.

♪ He's on time ♪

♪ J-O-E C-L-A.. ♪

Don't give up!

♪ Fall in together ♪

♪ Going how do you like the weather? ♪

♪ Going how do you learn the alphabet? ♪

♪ Be on time ♪

♪ School bell ring at a quarter to 9:00 ♪

(Joe) That's it, Sams!

Stay with it, boy! Don't give up, son.

Don't give up!

♪ How do you spell Eastside Eastside High? ♪

♪ How do you spell Joe Clark? He's on time ♪

♪ J-O-E C-L.. ♪

Oh, Holy cow!

I'm outta here.

Clark can't even get them past that test.

Look, I thought we'd settled this.

And now with the doors chained over there

that school is a firetrap.

And your fire chief agrees.

Son of a bitch is laughin' at us, Don.

Don, the man has a legitimate problem.

How does he keep drug pushers out of his school

if their buddies can just push open the exit doors

and let 'em walk on in?

He's got a point, sir.

Rosenberg, this doesn't concern you.

Look, Don..

We can both go to jail.

By statute, we are legally responsible.

If a fire broke out and a kid got hurt.

Oh, Christ. They're gonna get trampled.

They're like a bunch of savages down there anyway.

- Savages? - 'Let's get out of here.'

(Frank) 'Don, can't you control your men?'

Uh, ladies and gentlemen, I'm gonna have to ask all of you

to please leave me alone now with Mrs. Barrett.

Come on, Don. I wanna talk to you.

(Don) 'I'll call you later at your office, okay?'

Thank you very much. Thank you, Frank.

Close the door, eh?

(female #1) 'Mm, yeah, I believe that's the problem.'

I want to apologize for the chief's use of language.

I don't like none of you people.

Oh, well, then in that case why don't we cut

right through the formalities. Eh, what do you want?

- Clark! - 'Just like that, huh?'

Head on a platter.

You think I got an attitude.

Well, let me just tell you what I think.

I know why you like Clark.

He's a guard dog.

Does your dirty work, keeps the black folk in line.

That's fine, but you got to get re-elected.

I got enough folks lined up with me

to give you a damn hard time, and I will get more.

I will organize, I will beat the streets.

Unless I do what?

Appoint me to the school board

so we can vote Clark out.

Otherwise we'll just have to vote you out.

Vote me out.

You know it's always a pleasure to see citizens

avail themselves of the democratic process.

My job's gonna be easy.

You're not too popular these days, are you?

[chuckles]

Alright, I'll sic the fire chief on Clark.

- Will that satisfy you? - Yes.

And then I'll get the school board to dismiss him.

And then you'll come out publicly for me.

It'll be my pleasure, Mr. Mayor.

[water gushing]

That Barrett is a bitch on wheels, huh?

Smart. She's smart.

Yeah. She got your number.

When am I supposed to do this?

[grunts]

Now we'd just disrupt things.

Give him another week to prepare for that test.

Then we'll catch him with those chains on the doors.

Heh-heh.

We nail him and we make her happy.

Politics.

'What a business.'

Ah, it's just like yours, puttin' out fires.

[instrumental music]

The Mayor's gonna nail me, huh? What do I always say, Bob?

He says he's got the hammer and nails himself.

I believe it.

Rosenberg, these are some of my white students.

Ah, Frankie, Bernard, Steve.

Boys, this is Mr. Rosenberg, school attorney.

I want to let him hear the school song.

- Come on, Mr. Clark. - Come on, now. Let me hear it.

♪ Fair Eastside ♪ ♪ Fair Eastside ♪

♪ By thy side ♪ ♪ By thy side? ♪

♪ We'll stand ♪ ♪ We'll stand ♪

♪ And always ♪

♪ Praise thy name ♪♪

Alright! Alright! I can't stand this.

Needs work, fellas. Needs work.

Some things you just can't teach.

Bad singing is not genetic.

- How's your mother comin'? - Oh, she got that job.

- She's feelin' good. - Good, good.

Why aren't you girls studying? Lily, what are you doing?

The phone's broken. My baby's sick.

- I gotta call my mother. - Well, come with me.

You can make your call from the guidance office.

When are you girls ever gonna learn?

Mr. Clark, I ain't ashamed about my baby.

You know what? Nobody's saying you should be ashamed.

And she ain't ashamed of me.

Whenever she look up at me, Mr. Clark

she don't see no wrong.

Okay. Go on and make your call.

- Mr. Vanzetti? - Yes, sir.

Let these girls make a phone call.

- Hey, Mr. Clark. - How you doin'?

Alright.

Now, we can't let them know who told you.

- Why not? - Why not?

Mr. Clark, we got us a problem.

Alright, I'm listening.

How come you always leave us out?

Everything's always for the black kids.

- That's right. Everything. - Yeah.

The gospel chorus is for the blacks.

Football for the blacks. Basketball, blacks.

Look at me, I'm short. Can I play basketball?

No. The point is, you're ignoring us

and we're getting really ticked off.

You know, with a mouth like yours

you ought to study law.

- Really? - Really.

You kids wait for me in my office. We'll talk about this.

If you're gonna all talk at me at one time

I'm not gonna be able to do anything.

Markus, I know your problem. Now, sit down.

I'll be with you ladies in a minute.

Boss, I think you and Mr. Rosenberg

better wait for me out here.

Not now, Ms. Louise. Ms. Lynn?

- 'Yes.' - Give Markus a pass.

- Levias, is everyone here? - Yes, sir.

- Everyone you asked for. - Good. Sit down please.

Let me have your attention.

With the help of my ubiquitous, clandestine informants

I have learned that the mayor has told the fire chief

to catch me with those chains on the doors.

'They wanna prosecute me and get me the hell outta here!'

Now, the security guards are our first line of defense.

If you see the fire chief coming, stop him at the gates!

Get on your walkie-talkies, call in code ten, got that?

- Code ten. - Yes, sir.

We will repeat code ten on the P.A. system.

All teachers and guards have keys to the exit doors.

So, when you hear code ten, you will proceed

expeditiously to your assigned door and remove the chains.

- Is that understood? Good. - Yes, sir.

Guards, resume your posts. Ms. Levias, take over.

Louise, tell those kids in my office they have to go back

to class. I'll meet 'em here at seventh period.

- Yes, sir. - How did it go?

I think we got it under control.

- Mr. Clark? - Yes, Ms. Levias.

I have the progress report on the reading program.

- Good. - We're running out of time.

I thought you might like to hear it.

I would like to hear it, Ms. Levias.

I would also like to hear the kids in my office

and Mr. Rosenberg and Dr. Napier.

But I can't be in ten different places at the same time.

Can I?

So, maybe my vice principal can do

something without me for once!

- Uh, Mr. Clark. - Kids, seventh period.

I'll help you at seventh period, okay?

[exhales]

- Excuse me. - Yeah.

Excuse me.

[instrumental music]

- Goodnight, Mr. Clark. - Goodnight, Bob.

Mr. Clark?

Yes, Ms. Levias.

May I talk to you for a minute, please?

- What do you want? - I want you to transfer me.

- To where? - Out of here.

You know, this doesn't surprise me one bit, Ms. Levias.

I have sensed resistance in you since our very first meeting.

You're an egomaniacal windbag.

- Who you talkin' to? - I'm talkin' to you!

You like to whip people who can't fight back.

I thought I could take it because I had a father

in the same kind of pain that makes you such a bastard

but I was wrong. Life is much too short.

I will not endure you any longer!

You will not endure me?

The only reason I haven't walked out

and half the staff along with me

is because those children need us here.

You're so busy talking

discipline you forget to educate!

- Is that so? - Yes, that's so.

Then what the hell do you think

I've been doing here all this time?

So you cleaned it up.

- That was the easy part. - That's the easy part?

Those children want to be helped.

They have worked their hearts out for you, Joe.

Done everything we've asked and believe what we've told them.

But I feel sorry for them.

They're not ready to take that test.

What the hell you talkin' about?

I have done everything. Everything--

I, I! It is always I!

There are 300 teachers on the faculty here.

You do not do it all alone.

I don't have to stay here and listen to these accusations.

You will listen!

You will stand there and you will listen!

Alright, Ms. Levias. Alright, go ahead and talk.

For the past seven months you've been flappin' your mouth

and you haven't heard a thing.

You haven't even seen what's painfully obvious.

- I'll tell you what I do-- - No!

I'm talking now. Let me finish!

Everybody here may not like you as a person

'but we all applaud your effort.'

But what you don't understand

is the same people who support you

are the ones that you're beating up!

You don't even take the time to say, "Thank you."

"Job well done." Nothing.

You just step in their necks, constantly abuse them--

Ms. Levias, what do you want from me?

What the hell do you want?

I want you to get this straight.

Most of the teachers are here because they care

about those children out there, this school

this fight. They are in it with you.

They take it home at night the same as you.

They are part of those children's lives.

You are thoughtless and cruel.

And it hurts.

And none of them deserve it.

They are sick of it, and so am I.

- Ms. Levias. - What's this?

The transfer you asked for.

Alright, people, here we are.

This is the day.

In one hour

you are going to take an exam administered by the state

to test your basic skills

and the quality of education at Eastside High.

And I wanna tell you what the people out there

are saying about you and what they think about your chances.

They say you are inferior.

[indistinct chatter]

"You are just a bunch of *** and spics and poor white trash."

[all yelling]

"Education is wasted on you."

"You cannot learn!"

"You're lost!"

[clamoring]

I mean all of you.

I, I want all the white students to stand up.

All my white students, stand up.

Right now. Stand up. Come on.

All my white students, stand up. Stand up.

That's it. Come on, stand up.

These are my white children

'and they're the same as all of you.'

They've got no place to go.

If they had they would've abandoned us a long time ago

like everybody else did, but they couldn't.

So, here they are at Eastside High.

Just like the rest of us.

You can sit down.

Are you getting my point, people?

(all) 'Yes.'

Is it beginning to sink in?

(all) Yes!

We sink, we swim

we rise, we fall.

we meet our fate together!

[applauding]

Now..

...it took the help of a good, good friend

to make me know and understand that.

And I do understand it, and I'm grateful.

[applauding]

I'm eternally grateful.

[all applauding]

And now I've got a message for those people out there

who've abandoned you and written you off.

- Can you hear me? - Yes!

- Can you hear me?! - Yes!

Good!

You are not inferior!

[cheering]

Your grades may be

your school may have been

but you can turn that around

and make liars out of those bastards in exactly one hour

when you take that test and pass it, and win!

[all cheering]

So, here's what I want you to do.

When you find your minds wandering

I want you to knuckle back down and concentrate.

Concentrate!

'Remember what's at stake'

and show them what Eastside High is all about.

A spirit that will not die!

[applauding]

[piano music]

♪ Sometimes in our lives ♪

♪ We all have pain ♪

♪ We all have sorrow ♪

♪ But if we are wise ♪

♪ We know that there's ♪

♪ Always tomorrow ♪

♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ When you're not strong ♪

♪ And I'll be your friend ♪

♪ I'll help you carry on ♪

♪ For it won't be long ♪

♪ Till I'm gonna need ♪

♪ Somebody to lean on ♪

♪ You just call on me brother ♪

♪ When you need a hand ♪

♪ We all need somebody to lean on ♪

♪ I just might have a problem ♪

♪ That you'll understand ♪

♪ We all need somebody to lean on ♪

♪ Why don't you lean on me? ♪ ♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ You can lean on me ♪

♪ If you need a friend ♪ ♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ You can lean on me ♪

♪ I'll be your friend ♪

♪ Lean on me you can lean on me ♪

♪ Come on and lean on me ♪ ♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ You can lean on me ♪

♪ Please won't you swallow your pride ♪

♪ If I have things ♪

♪ You need to borrow ♪

♪ For no one can fill ♪

♪ Those of your needs ♪

♪ That you won't let go ♪

♪ Why don't you just lean on? ♪

♪ Anytime ♪ ♪ Lean on ♪

♪ Come on and lean on ♪

♪ Lean on me you can lean on me ♪

♪ If you need a friend ♪

♪ Lean on me you can lean on me ♪

♪ And if you got a problem ♪

♪ Lean on me you can lean on me ♪

♪ I'm your problem solver ♪ ♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ You can lean on me ♪

♪ Why don't you lean? ♪ ♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ Uh-huh ♪ ♪ You can lean on me ♪

♪ Come on and lean on me ♪ ♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ You can lean on me ♪

♪ Call on me brother ♪ ♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ You can lean on me ♪ ♪ Sister give me your hand ♪

♪ Lean on me you can lean on me ♪

♪ You can you can you can ♪

♪ Lean on me you can lean on me ♪

♪ Swallow up your pride ♪

♪ Lean on me you can lean on ♪

♪ Please children people ♪

♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ Whoo ♪♪

[all cheering]

[all chanting] Eastside! Eastside! Eastside! Eastside! Eastside! Eastside!

Eastside! Eastside! Eastside! Eastside! Eastside! Eastside!

[instrumental music]

♪ Dum dum dum-dum-dum ♪

♪ Dum-dum-dum-dum ♪

♪ Dum-dum-dum dum-dum ♪

♪ Dum-dum d-d-d-dum ♪

♪ Sometime in our lives ♪

♪ We all have pain ♪

♪ We all have sorrow ♪ ♪ Dum-dum-dum ♪

♪ But if we are wise ♪

♪ We know that there's always tomorrow ♪♪

I told you these things take time.

Don't tell me these things take time.

Just how long am I supposed to wait?

Now, you boys are messing with the wrong female.

I've been over there, he won't let me in.

- Oh, poor little boy. - What?

Alright, what the hell's goin' on here?

- Thank God. - What?

- Would you talk to her? - I thought we had made a deal.

You don't have to broadcast it all over town, do you?

I have got a school board meeting tonight

and enough votes to get Clark kicked out

if I can show some proof he's got chains on those doors.

Now, we can still get that if you move on him today.

Chief Gaines has already tried that.

Bullshit! I've made promises of my own.

I've got people lined up with me right now

and if I can't deliver any better than you

my credibility is shot.

And I do not issue idle threats.

Then don't, huh? Because I don't wanna hear it.

Okay, chief.

Now, Mrs. Barrett here was promised some action.

I think it's time we get a court order

and get you past those guards.

Sounds good to me.

(Lillian) He ain't worth it.

[Kaneesha sobbing]

- He's a jerk. - That's right. He's a jerk.

I told you that. You don't listen to me.

What are you two ladies doing in here?

Lillian, aren't you supposed to be in class?

Huh?

Kaneesha?

What's going on here?

Lillian, what is this?

You'll have to ask her, Mr. Clark.

Kaneesha, what's the matter?

[sobs]

I got pregnant.

Please don't be mad at me.

Lillian, let me talk to her alone for a minute.

Did you tell your mother?

I can't.

Reggie's the father?

He says it's not his, but I know it is

'cause I've never been with no other boys.

I never meant for this to happen.

Oh, you girls never do.

So many of you bringin' babies into this world

just to prove you can accomplish something.

And you're doing so well now, Kaneesha.

Well, there are other alternatives.

I'm scared. I don't know what to do.

It's alright, I'll tell you what we're going to do.

We're gonna have your mother come to the school.

Don't worry now, the three of us will put our heads together

and...I'm sure we'll be able to help you decide

what's best for you to do.

Alright? Do you trust me?

- Alright, I'm gonna help you. - Mr. Clark!

8 o'clock in the morning I'll call your mother myself.

- What is it, Mr. Wright? - The fire chief.

- Where is he? - He got past the gate.

Code ten! Code ten, this is Joe Clark!

Get those chains off the door! The enemy's here!

(male #3) 'The doors are all gotten locked, Mr. Clark.'

Mr. Clark, you're under arrest.

For what?

Basically for being an asshole.

but specifically for conspiracy

to violate the fire code.

I got no problem with the fire code, chief.

The only problem here is you.

And your problem is your mouth.

(Joe on recorder) 'Code ten! Code ten! This is Joe Clark! '

'Get those chains off the doors! The enemy's here!'

(man on speaker) 'Doors all gotten locked, Mr. Clark.'

Cuff him!

(Sams) Hey, Mr. Clark?

What did they get you for?

What's the charge? What's this all about?

It's about someone finally standing up to this man

instead of taking his orders like a maid.

How dare you speak about people like that!

- Mrs. Barrett, you think you-- - Shut up! You're finished!

The school board is gonna hear this at 7 o'clock

and we are gonna vote your black ass out.

- Yo, bitch, vote on this! - Sams, you go to class!

Ms. Levias, you're acting principal now.

I expect you to perform as I would.

[indistinct chatter]

What, what's goin' on? What's happening, Mr. Clark?

Mr. Clark, what happened? What did you do?

I chained the doors.

Now, you break the law, you pay the price.

[indistinct chatter]

Hey, yo, Mr. Clark, we still got to go to class?

Yes, you have to go to.. All of you, get back to class!

'Now!'

- 'Mr. Clark--' - Go on!

Who's gonna look after the school, Mr. Clark?

Go on! Get back into class!

'I mean it now, get back in there, all of ya!'

Go on! Ms. Levias, they're your responsibility!

[dramatic music]

(Frank) 'I guess we ought to be getting out of here, Joe.'

'That, uh, school board meeting's about to begin.'

Do whatever we can.

Have you thought about a new line of work?

Perhaps an exciting career in electronics?

It's just a little joke.

I'm going.

I've got no complaints, Joe.

As far as I'm concerned

what you accomplished down at that school

was a goddamn miracle.

Those kids have a light in their eyes now

that was never, never there before.

Thanks, boss.

You know, I'm always tryin' to teach my kids

to stay outta jail.

Look at me.

You go on. Do what you gotta do.

He has failed at his professional task.

We brought him in to save our school

from a takeover from the state.

That was the mandate from our mayor.

[indistinct chatter]

But the test scores on the practice exam

were 35 percent below passing.

Now, maybe if we dump him now

and get a new principal ourselves

show the state that we are doing something

'we can pre-empt the takeover, but only if we get him out'

'before those final test scores come back.'

After that, it'll be too late.

This board won't have any power.

It'll be nothing but a rubber stamp.

[indistinct chatter]

Mrs. Arthur, those are the facts.

Now, I appreciate your personal loyalty to Mr. Clark

but he has let our children down

and our loyalty should be to them.

Our loyalty should be to the man we hired.

[indistinct yelling]

(Frank) 'Order! Order!'

[gavel thudding]

[students chanting] 'Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!'

'Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!'

[indistinct chants at distance]

(all) Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!

'Free Mr. Clark!'

(Frank) 'Order, ladies and gentlemen.'

'Order! Order, please!'

'We cannot continue this meeting with this kind of chaos here!'

- 'Please! Sit down!' - 'Is this thing on?'

- 'Come to order, please!' - Dr. Napier.

Dr. Napier, I think you should call the question now.

(Frank) 'I cannot call the question.'

(Don) 'All points of view'

'seem to have been exhausted here.'

'No further purpose is going to be served by this.'

Why don't you have someone on the board--

Mr. Mayor, it seems that Mr. Clark's students

have assembled outside in an exercise

of their first amendment rights.

How many?

It looks like all of them.

(all) Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!

'Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!'

'Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!'

We're in a tough spot here

'and I have to ask your help, Joe.'

'Uh, it's not for me. It's for those kids out there.'

Now, they're very emotional. They're-they're all jacked up.

'You have to send them home.'

I don't have to do nothin', but stay black and die.

Oh, for cryin' out loud.

[students chanting] 'Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!'

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!

(Mrs. Barrett) People, before this gets out of hand

'listen, for your own safety, listen to me!'

(students) 'Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!'

'Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!'

Alright, Joe. Let me put it this way.

First, I wanted you to succeed.

Now, don't think that I ever wanted anything else.

But you're a realist, Joe, just like me.

And I want you to think what would happen

if there was a riot out there and the cops

'had to go in and clear that square, huh?'

I'd have law and order on my side

and the only people who'd be hurt would be your kids.

Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!

Listen to me!

People, please!

You must all disperse and return to your homes!

Your presence here is helping no one.

Why don't you use your brains and listen?

(students) 'Free Mr. Clark! Free Mr. Clark!'

'Free Mr. Clark!'

[imitating siren wail]

[laughter]

Thank you. Everybody, just, come on.

Come on. Everybody, listen up. Listen up.

Now, let's just settle down. Give her a chance to talk.

She might actually have something to say.

So, everybody just chill. Settle down.

And let's listen to the old loudmouth wench.

[all cheer]

Here you go, Barrett.

You can call me what you want

but the simple fact is Mr. Clark has broken the laws

of this state

and exposed you all to grave danger.

[crowd booing]

His behavior is irresponsible.

Chaining those doors was a criminal act.

Why do you think they call him "Crazy Joe?"

'Cause y'all don't understand him.

(Maria) 'Yeah. That's right!'

He chained those doors to keep out the drug dealers.

To make us all feel safe.

Now, you talk about the law but you're twisting the law.

The laws are made to protect the people

'and that's what he's doin' for us.'

[students cheer]

The thing that you don't understand

is that Mr. Clark believes in us.

- He provided an environment-- - He doesn't believe in you!

'Cause you don't take care of your responsibility!

[all cheer]

(Barrett) 'Despite what he himself may believe'

Mr. Clark is not Eastside High!

Mr. Clark is not only Eastside High

Mr. Clark is like a father, he's the only father

that some of us who don't have fathers know.

You don't know a thing about Mr. Clark!

(Barrett) 'People! People, just hear me!'

The school board is meeting right now

and I promise you we will give you

what Eastside High deserves, a good principal.

We don't want a good principal!

We want Mr. Clark!

[all cheer]

You may think you know what you want

but the question is what is best for you

'best for Eastside High and best for..'

Well, this thing's getting out of hand.

Talk to them, please.

(Barrett) 'Have a common interest here tonight.'

'To see that this gets resolved'

so that you can continue your education.

- Free Mr. Clark! - 'I am requesting that you..'

[chanting and cheering]

People! People..

Yay! Yay!

Yay, alright!

[all cheering]

I wonder why I can't get this kind of turnout for study hall.

[laughter]

Alright, now.

Kids, this is all very nice

but now I'm going to insist that you all go home

and let the laws of the land prevail.

- 'No!' - 'No!'

[all chanting] No! No! No! No! No! No!

Now, listen. Listen.

If I've taught you anything

I have tried to give you respect for the law.

Now, I want you all to go home

'in an orderly fashion!'

(all) No! No! No! No!

(Joe) 'Your voices have been heard!'

[all chanting] No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

(Joe) 'I appreciate your concern for me.'

(students) No! No! No! No!

But now is the time to go home.

(students) No! No! No! No!

Kids, listen, you're not helping the matters any.

'Listen to me.'

'You're not helping our cause if you stay here!'

- No! No! No! No! - Mr. Clark.

I thought I left you in charge of these students.

You've got to read this. Please!

...what you call taking care of your responsibility?

Shut up, Clark! Read this! Read it!

[students chanting] No! No! No! No! No! No!

Boss.

(students) 'No! No! No! No! No! No!'

Dr. Napier, it is my duty

it is my privilege and my honor to report to you

that the students of Eastside High

have passed the minimum basic skills test!

[all cheer]

- Mr. Mayor? - 'Yeah! Alright!'

(boy #5) 'C'mon, alright, yeah!'

Mr. Mayor, on behalf of myself

and on behalf of the students of Eastside High

you can tell the state to go to hell.

[all cheering]

I told you, you should not have brought him here..

Joe Louis Clark is not goin' anywhere.

[all cheer]

Are you ready, my ghosts?

- 'Yes!' - Let me hear it.

One, two, three!

♪ Fair Eastside ♪

♪ By thy side we'll stand ♪

♪ And always praise thy name ♪

♪ To ever lend our hearts and hands ♪

Congratulations.

Come on, son. Here.

♪ The honor of old Eastside High ♪

♪ Brings forth our loyalty ♪

♪ So cheer for dear old Eastside High ♪

♪ Lead on to victory ♪

♪ So cheer for dear old Eastside High ♪

♪ Lead on to victory ♪♪

♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ When you're not strong ♪

♪ And I'll be your friend ♪

♪ I'll help you carry on ♪

♪ For I know ♪

♪ That it won't be long ♪

♪ Till I'm gonna need ♪

♪ Somebody to lean on ♪

♪ You just call on me brother ♪ ♪ Call me ♪

♪ If you feel you need a hand ♪

♪ 'Cause we all need somebody ♪

♪ Just to lean on ♪

♪ Oh yeah I just might have a problem ♪

♪ You'll understand ♪

♪ We all need somebody ♪

♪ To lean on ♪

♪ Oh oh yeah ♪

♪ Listen now ♪

♪ If there is a load ♪

♪ You have to bear ♪

♪ That you can't carry ♪

♪ Just remember I'm I'm right up the road ♪

♪ I'll share your load ♪

♪ If you just call on me ♪ ♪ Call on me ♪

♪ You have to call me ♪

♪ Call me ♪

♪ Whenever you're in trouble ♪

♪ Call me ♪

♪ I'll understand ♪

♪ Call me ♪

♪ 'Cause we all have pain ♪

♪ Call me ♪

♪ We all have sorrow ♪

♪ Call me ♪

♪ Hey hey hey ♪♪

♪ Just lean on me ♪

♪ Lean ♪ ♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ Lean on ♪

♪ J-just lean on me ♪

♪ Lean ♪ ♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ Lean on me ♪ ♪ Just just just ♪

♪ Lean on him? Yes yes why? ♪

♪ Things are better and we're finally workin' together ♪

♪ In unity and you're soon to see ♪

♪ Eastside High as a better place to be ♪

♪ The students the pupils have morals and scruples ♪

♪ Our learning ability has increased quadruple ♪

♪ And we're off to a brand-new start ♪

♪ I played my part to prove that you're smart? ♪

♪ And it's proven but I ain't movin' ♪

♪ I won't be goin' I'm here ♪

♪ When you need someone to lean on ♪

♪ To take heed to this ♪

♪ As a blessing and remember ♪

♪ Ain't no half steppin' get it in full gear ♪

♪ I'm sure that you'll care in the long run ♪

♪ When you got full gear that means authority ♪

♪ Positivity-t-ty ♪ ♪ Word ♪

♪ So let knowledge uproot ya ♪

♪ Go for yours 'cause we're the future ♪

♪ The ones who rise to supremacy ♪

♪ And if you ever need a hand ♪

♪ Just lean on me ♪

♪ J-j-j-just ♪

♪ Lean ♪ ♪ J-j-just just ♪

♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ Lean ♪ ♪ J-j-j-just ♪

♪ Just just lean on me ♪

♪ Lean ♪ ♪ J-j-j-just ♪

♪ Lean ♪ ♪ J-just just lean on me ♪

♪ J-j-j-just ♪ ♪ Lean ♪

♪ Just just lean on me ♪

♪ Lean ♪ ♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ Lean ♪

♪ Lean on me ♪

♪ Lean lean lean ♪

♪ Lean on ♪♪