Kick (The Soccer Song)

Soccer is arguably the world's most popular sport, and it is played by people of all ages around the world - including children. Do an Internet search for youth soccer in your area, and you'll most likely find the sport has a presence near you. Soccer leagues (indoor and outdoor), programs, scholarships, camps, courses, tournaments, championships, and even cups with a major sponsor are now a reality. There are also organizations that sponsor soccer for children with disabilities. It's out there, folks!

With "Kick," we talk about the virtues of teamwork, good sportsmanship, playing by the rules, respect for others, and of course, having fun! Even though the syncopated feel may be a challenge for some, the tune rocks well, so we think it will be a favorite with your students, especially those who also play soccer. At the coda the dynamics drop to mezzo forte, and then back up to a full forte at measure 40 as the tune gets loud again, so be sure to point this out as you teach it.

Our session players did a great job with this tune on the CD. Let your students listen to it and it'll show them the high energy singing style that works well with a song like this. Who knows? You might be able to coordinate with your school's athletic director and sing this song to generate interest in the sport. You could perform it wearing full soccer uniforms - jerseys, shorts, long socks with shin guards, and cleats. (Although cleats might be a problem, unless you're performing on grass or turf). Have a soccer ball or two as props and maybe a small, portable goal.

As a side note, we actually took samples of soccer balls being kicked and put them into this song. They sound so much like the kick drum on a drum set that we put some reverb on the samples to make them stand out. You'll hear them after every "Kick!" starting at bar 5, in the repeat bar (measure 31), in the coda - bars 35, 39, and again after the "Kicks" starting in bar 48.