August 30, 2021

The Right to Love

Rockport, Maine

Li Meiling left her home country of China, but that doesn’t mean she can leave home. Her family has a long reach.

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Lyrics

I was raised by my grandma
My parents are always busy
When I wake in the morning
They’re already at work
They sent me to boarding school
Since kindergarten
My dad used to hit me
And he drinks a lot

I want to play guitar
Do art, and dance
And to have the right to love
Who I want to love

Seventh grade,
One of my friends
Came to America
Told my mom
I want to go there
I want to go there, too
I want to stay far away
From my family
They try to control me
Even though I’m here

I want to play guitar
Do art, and dance
And to have the right to love
Who I want to love
They think that’s a waste of time
But I would sing for you
I would ask you to sing
With me

I met this guy this year
I fell in love with him
My parents are really mad
They threaten to take me home

I want to play guitar
(The right to love)
Do art, and dance
(I want to have)
And to have the right to love
(The right to love)
Who I want to love…

Story Source

Li Meiling

CO-WRITER

Chloë Isis

PERFORMED BY

Alex Wilder, Caleb Edwards, Chloë Isis, Clio Berta, Hazel Delehey, Meridith Luce, Molly Hamilton

PRODUCED BY

Alex Wilder

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