Different All The Same
Rochdale Music Service Youth Choir
Written in collaboration with Rochdale Music Service Youth Choir, Michael Betteridge and Liz Mytton.
“We’re different, again
Cos living means change
Whatever the past
We still have blank page”
Rochdale Music Service Youth Choir is a non-auditioned, mixed-gender choir of young people, who teamed up with poet and playwright Liz Mytton to create a powerful text highlighting themes of friendship and authenticity.
“I loved working with everyone and they have made me feel so much more confident and understand what friendship is and how to work together. Thank you so much.”
The result showcases a uniquely teenage perspective on the world, brought to musical life in collaboration with composer Michael Betteridge.
“It's made me relate to the song I helped create and shows everyone is different but we're all the same”
The music video, captured as part of the process, shows the young people singing and moving together through the beautiful surroundings of Rochdale Town Hall, with their outfits reflecting the black, white and grey of the text.
DIFFERENT ALL THE SAME
1.
It seems that time has come again
I’m wishing I could still be ten
Cos things were so much simpler then
Before I hit the wall
But then, the teenage mirror cracked
My frenemies all made a pact
I’ve had to wake up to the fact
That you no longer call
​
2.
I hate it when you take their side
You wound me with those cruel lies
I take a breath and close my eyes
Remember how things were
So why’d you have to be the worst
And make our friendship bubble burst
By trashing my whole universe?
Now everything has blurred
Chorus
We’re different, again
Some things always change
Yesterday was joy
Then tomorrow’s a pain
Not black, not white
We’re moving in the grey
All different, the same
And I’ll be okay
3.
It’s time to choose a different sound
To stick with me or turn around
Our friendship needs some solid ground
This is your final chance
Too fed up now to push and shove
Let’s choose to give, let’s choose to love
Just take my hand and rise above
And join me in the dance
Chorus
We’re different, again
Some things always change
Yesterday was joy
Then tomorrow’s a pain
Not black, not white
We’re moving in the grey
All different, the same
And I’ll be okay
Bridge
I’ve had enough
I’m tired, I’m stressed
It’s been quite a while
Since I’ve felt at my best
Mad at me, mad at you
I’m failing this test
It’s so overwhelming
I just need a rest
(All the same, I’m glad that you’re here)
(All the same, I’m keeping you near)
4.
To speak the truth is my new song
I’ve worn a mask for way too long
Please stand beside me, right the wrongs
It’s not too late to cheer
Not wasting time on being annoyed
My mental health won’t be destroyed
Remember fun! Remember joy!
I won’t submit to fear!
Alt. Chorus
We’re different, again
Cos living means change
Whatever the past
We still have blank page
Nothing’s black or white
We’re moving in the grey
All different, the same
We still have today
​
Creative Team Credits
Composer, Michael Betteridge
Writer, Liz Mytton
Movement Director, Ruth Jones
Filmmaker, Luca Rudlin
Sound Engineer, Johnny Woodhead
Creative Producer, Holly Hunter