Lyrics to “My Body” By Peter Aslop

Over the years, I have promised many many people that I would post the lyrics to this song. Finally they are here!

For those of you who don’t know the story,  I often sing “My Body” in my parenting classes or presentations and parents always want a copy of the song.

It is by singer-songwriter Peter Alsop, an entertainer who uses his experience as a counsellor and psychologist to inspire his song writing. His lyrics get important messages across to young and old alike.

Here is why this is such a great song, and what it teaches parents and children.  You see, children need to feel empowered about their body and feel a sense of ownership for their bodies.  This is important. Why? Because when children feel that it is “MY body – NOT your body”, they are more likely to speak up when a boundary has been crossed, meaning inappropriate touching. Sexual abuse is almost always performed by an adult the child knows. When we think we know better about children’s’ body than them, we are eroding their sense of body ownership that is so important.

Do you tell your child to put on a coat because YOU say they are cold? (When their body says its not?)

Do you make your child take one more bit, because YOU say they should eat more? (When their body says their full?)

Do you make your child “try” to make pee pee, because YOU say it is about time?  (When their body says they don’t yet?)

We want children to listen to their bodies rather than turning them over to adults. We want them to hear that little voice that says “I don’t like how that feels” and teach them to speak up and say “NO – DON’T TOUCH ME”.

Here’s how the song goes:

My Body

My body’s nobody’s body but mine!
You run your own body, let me run mine!

My nose was made to sniff and to sneeze
To smell what I want, and to pick when I please!
[or  –  To smell what I want, and to blow when I please!]

My lungs were made to hold air when I breathe,
I am in charge of just how much I need!

My legs were made to dance me around
To walk and to run and to jump up and down!

My mouth was made to blow-up a balloon
I can eat, kiss and spit, I can whistle a tune!
[or  –  I can eat, kiss and sing, I can whistle a tune!]

No one knows my body better than me
It tells me, “Let’s eat!”, it tells me “Go pee!”

Don’t hit me or kick me, don’t push or shove
Don’t hug me too hard when you show me your love

Sometimes it’s hard to say “No!” and be strong
When those” No!” feelings come, then I know something’s wrong

‘Cause My body’s mine from my head to my toe
Please leave it alone when you hear me say “No!”

Secrets are fun when they’re filled with surprise
But not when they hurt us with tricks, threats and lies

Our body’s one body, one voice is heard
We each sing for freedom when we sing these words

Written by Peter Alsop, ©1983, Moose School Music (BMI)
(additional lyrics by Green Thumb Theatre)