A first ever movie composition (I'm the) Teacher was a song to order by movie people but Hunter considers it to contain one of his best lyrics. The movie producer was a fan and Ian had a lyric in mind: "The question's arisen, is this a person, some say it is, some say it isn't." And, the rest came quickly. Starting with that first strong line the remainder of the lyrics came in five minutes. With a good line you have won half the battle. Ian had the movie script and he knew the log line. There was more interaction between Hunter and the producer since originally the song was a ballad but a faster song was required. Revved up with Ronson's help, Ian got a gold record, so not much to complain about!
Hunter does appropriately demonstrate the dedication of many teachers:
If there's just one weed in this flowerless grave
If there's just one seed I can save
I'm going to reach ya
Pleased to meet ya, I'm the teacherThe song appeared in the United Artists Picture for the 1984 comedy Teachers starring Nick Nolte.
I'm The Teacher
(Ian Hunter)
The question's arisen is this a prison
Some say it is, some say it isn't
Why do I try? nobody listens
I pass by like an intermission
If there's just one weed in this flowerless grave
If there's just one seed I can save
I'm going to reach ya
Pleased to meet ya, I'm the teacher
Outlaws, cruisers, junkies, boozers
Take a back seat, with the three time losers
They're all having a ball, down at juvenile hall
By looking so small they must be victims of the system
I've been inside, (where the lies are hide)
Are you satisfied I never should have tried to beat you
I beseech you, sad little freaker
Pleased to meet you, I'm the teacher
They can snap your soul, blow it away
Like a fragile leaf on a windy day
Can you read? can you write? they couldn't care less
You can graduate on American Express, no personal checks
What do I do to get through to you?
Somebody sue the suit, don't let em eat ya
Don't you let 'em defeat ya Don't let 'em mistreat ya
'Cause sooner or later
They're going to cheat ya
Pleased to meet ya, I'm the teacher
Yeah.
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