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Why Does Gray Matter?

by Roger Day

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    SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK MEETS BILL NYE

    Roger Day's fourth family CD WHY DOES GRAY MATTER? makes innovative use of “the brain” as a theme for every song. “I’m pretty sure it’s the first recording session in Nashville to research Web MD for fact checks,” says Roger. “One song is even co-written with a college friend who is an actual neuropathologist. It’s the only kid’s song I know of that uses the terms ‘Corpus Callosum’ and ‘Deep Basal Ganglia’ while referencing Ringo Starr.”

    The Schoolhouse Rock quality of this project is impossible to ignore and one of its best features. If you didn’t hear these songs on this CD first you might think you knew them from watching cartoons on Saturday mornings years ago. For this reason, Day’s music counts adults as some of its biggest fans. Roger acknowledges, “I’ve had more than one parent admit they listen to my CDs even when their kids aren’t around.” ... more
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1.
Sara Bellum, the Brainy Girl 02:42
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SARA BELLUM, THE BRAINY GIRL Words & Music © 2010 Roger Day From the CD Why Does Gray Matter? Available at RogerDay.com She’s got it figured out She knows what her life is all about She’s got a head full of big ideas…that’ll change the world SARA BELLUM, SHE’S THE BRAINY GIRL SARA BELLUM, THE UNBELIEVABLY CEREBRAL GIRL She never wastes time She’s got a lot of things on her mind She loves it when a problem’s complicated…She’ll work it out SARA BELLUM, SHE’S THE BRAINY GIRL SARA BELLUM, THE UNBELIEVABLY CEREBRAL GIRL If Einstein were here He’d make it very clear How much he longs to be As quick and smart - as Sarah B! She’s got it figured out She’ll find the answer there’s no doubt And if she doesn’t get it right first time… She’ll try and try and try and try again…and again SARA BELLUM, SHE’S THE BRAINY GIRL SARA BELLUM, THE UNBELIEVABLY CEREBRAL GIRL SARA BELLUM, SHE’S THE BRAINY GIRL SARA BELLUM, THE UNBELIEVABLY CEREBRAL GIRL The unbelievably cerebral girl The unbelievably cerebral girl The unbelievably cerebral girl
2.
The Left Brain/Right Brain Song 02:25
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My LEFT BRAIN loves to do the math It loves to multiply divide and subtract My LEFT BRAIN keeps me organized It helps me turn my homework in on time My RIGHT BRAIN wants to rock the house My RIGHT BRAIN wants to rock the house My RIGHT BRAIN wants to go wild and create My RIGHT BRAIN wants to rock the house My RIGHT BRAIN wants to rock the house MY RIGHT BRAIN wants to draw and illustrate My LEFT BRAIN follows the directions It always starts at A and goes to Z My LEFT BRAIN loves to do my taxes It fills out every form on Schedule C
3.
The Brain Train 02:24
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BRAIN TRAIN Words & Music © 2010 Roger Day and Dr. John Paul Bouffard, MD From the CD Why Does Gray Matter? Available at RogerDay.com The second that I think about playing the drums I get an itchy feeling under my thumbs That one simple thought about a musical notion And my nervous system puts the wheels in motion ON THE BRAIN TRAIN MY THOUGHTS ARE RIDING ON THE BRAIN TRAIN AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT ON THE BRAIN TRAIN A LITTLE FASTER ON THE BRAIN TRAIN…LIKE THIS The left frontal lobe is where the idea is hatched But the right brain must open the latch Across the corpus callosum that’s where it flows On down the track where the rhythm grows ON THE BRAIN TRAIN MY THOUGHTS ARE RIDING ON THE BRAIN TRAIN AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT ON THE BRAIN TRAIN A LITTLE FASTER ON THE BRAIN TRAIN The deep basal ganglia sketch out a plan To show you how you give a beat to the band They send the blueprint to the cerebellum That’s the part of your brain that knows just what to tell ‘em The spinal cord’s next, left hand, then right They activate the muscles that rock all night. Now I’m playing the drums like I’m Ringo Starr Only took a nano second to travel this far ON THE BRAIN TRAIN MY THOUGHTS ARE RIDING ON THE BRAIN TRAIN AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT ON THE BRAIN TRAIN A LITTLE FASTER ON THE BRAIN TRAIN YEAH, THE BRAIN MY THOUGHTS ARE RIDING ON THE BRAIN TRAIN AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT ON THE BRAIN TRAIN A LITTLE FASTER ON THE BRAIN TRAIN
4.
It's a No Brainer 03:12
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IT’S A NO BRAINER Words & Music © 2010 Roger Day From the CD Why Does Gray Matter? Available at RogerDay.com 1 + 1 = 2 2 + 2 = 4 4 + 4 = 8 Don’t you think math is great? IT’S A NO BRAINER IT’S A NO BRAINER IT’S A NO BRAINER IT’S EASY AS PIE 8 + 8 = 16 16 + 16 = 32 32 + 32 = 64 Are you ready to add some more? IT’S A NO BRAINER IT’S A NO BRAINER IT’S A NO BRAINER IT’S EASY AS PIE 64 + 64 = 128 128 + 128 = 2 56 256 + 256 = 512 512+ 512= 1024 1024 + 1024 = 2048 2048 + 2048 = 4096 4096 + 4096 = 8192 x 0 = 0 Man, that was all for nothing IT’S A NO BRAINER IT’S A NO BRAINER IT’S A NO BRAINER IT’S EASY AS 3.14 159 26 535 897-9323 846-2643 Ad infinitum – ad naseum – ad hoc – ad lib
5.
Monkey Brains 02:20
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MONKEY BRAINS Words & Music © 2010 Roger Day From the CD Why Does Gray Matter? Available at RogerDay.com My big sister warned me that this might be weird But now that it’s happened it’s not as bad as I feared Sure I can’t resist swinging vine to vine But all things considered it’s a pretty good time I’VE GOT MONKEY BRAINS - LOOK AT ME I’VE GOT MONKEY BRAINS - CLIMBING EVERY TREE I’VE GOT MONKEY BRAINS - ALL IN MY HEAD AND THAT’S THING MY TEACHER ALWAYS DREADS See it’s hard for me focus when there’s so much to do Like grooming my neighbor - scratching under my arm too In the middle of a test I get these cravings for papaya It leaves my teacher crying “Mya – o – mya!” “HAVE YOU GOT MONKEY BRAINS – WHAT’S HAPPENED TO YOU? HAVE YOU GOT MONKEY BRAINS – DID YOU ESCAPE FROM A ZOO? HAVE YOU GOT MONKEY BRAINS – ALL IN YOUR HEAD THAT’S THE THING, YOU KNOW, I ALWAYS DREAD” So now you’ve heard my story and you say, “That’s cool. But that would never, ever happen here at my school.” Well, you might be right but you know all it’s gonna take Is a simple little twist of your DNA AND YOU’LL HAVE MONKEY BRAINS – JUST LIKE ME YOU’LL HAVE MONKEY BRAINS – CLIMBING EVERY TREE YOU’LL HAVE MONKEY BRAINS – ALL IN YOUR HEAD YEAH, YOU’LL BE THE THING YOUR TEACHER ALWAYS DREADS WE’LL HAVE MONKEY BRAINS – YEAH, YOU AND ME WE’LL HAVE MONKEY BRAINS – WE’LL BE CLIMBING EVERY TREE WE’LL HAVE MONKEY BRAINS – ALL IN OUR HEADS YEAH, WE’LL BE THE THING , YOU KNOW, OUR PRINCIPAL DREADS
6.
Brain Freeze! 02:26
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BRAIN FREEZE Words & Music © 2010 Roger Day From the CD Why Does Gray Matter? Available at RogerDay.com Last night I played my first double header Mom & Dad said I had never played better So after the game they took me out to celebrate That’s when I ordered up an ice-cold double chocolate milk shake I started drinking fast ‘cause it tasted great My Dad tried to warn me a little too late… I GOT BRAIN FREEZE BRAIN FREEZE BRAIN FREEZE BRAIN FREEZE At the school play I was the main attraction I was Isaac Newton Mr. Equal Reaction After the show I got a slushie drink I slurped the whole thing down before I could think…. I GOT BRAIN FREEZE BRAIN FREEZE BRAIN FREEZE BRAIN FREEZE To all you super stars here’s a little tip If it’s a really cold drink only take a sip YOU’LL GET BRAIN FREEZE BRAIN FREEZE BRAIN FREEZE BRAIN FREEZE I GOT BRAIN FREEZE I GOT BRAIN FREEZE I GOT BRAIN FREEZE I GOT BRAIN FREEEEEEEEZE!
7.
Brain Food - Eat it Up! 02:42
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BRAIN FOOD – EAT IT UP! Words & Music © 2010 Roger Day From the CD Why Does Gray Matter? Available at RogerDay.com BRAIN FOOD - IT’S GONNA MAKE YOU SMART DUDE (BRAIN FOOD – EAT IT UP) GET YOUR HEAD READY - PUT YOUR MIND IN THE RIGHT MOOD (BRAIN FOOD – EAT IT UP) Serve a little salmon with omega 3 Add a bite of spinach with vitamin e A juicy tomato with lycopene It’s gonna make your head run like a machine BRAIN FOOD - IT’S GONNA MAKE YOU SMART DUDE (BRAIN FOOD – EAT IT UP) GET YOUR HEAD READY - PUT YOUR MIND IN THE RIGHT MOOD (BRAIN FOOD – EAT IT UP) Blueberries are what you chew If you want to elevate your IQ Folic acid in whole wheat in bread Now that’s a smart thing to feed your head BRAIN FOOD - IT’S GONNA MAKE YOU SMART DUDE (BRAIN FOOD – EAT IT UP) GET YOUR HEAD READY - PUT YOUR MIND IN THE RIGHT MOOD (BRAIN FOOD – EAT IT UP) And your brain won’t mind when it’s time for dessert ‘Cause even scientists they’ll admit a little chocolate never hurt So if you get lost in a mental fog Eat a handful of cranberries from the bog Then wash it down with Green Tea For intellectual clarity BRAIN FOOD - IT’S GONNA MAKE YOU SMART DUDE (BRAIN FOOD – EAT IT UP) GET YOUR HEAD READY - PUT YOUR MIND IN THE RIGHT MOOD (BRAIN FOOD – EAT IT UP) YOU GOTTA EAT IT UP - YOU GOTTA EAT IT UP – YEAH! YOU GOTTA EAT IT UP - YOU GOTTA EAT IT UP – YEAH! YOU GOTTA EAT IT UP - YOU GOTTA EAT IT UP – YEAH! YOU GOTTA EAT IT UP – GOTTA EAT IT UP!
8.
Why Does Gray Matter? 02:19
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WHY DOES GRAY MATTER? Words and Music © 2010 Roger Day and Chris Roberts From the CD Why Does Gray Matter? Available at RogerDay.com My teacher lost me I admit I don’t understand one little bit Why not purple? Even pink? Of all the colors in the universe Why does this one make me think? WHY OH WHY OH WHY WHY DOES GRAY MATTER WHY OH WHY OH WHY WHY DOES GRAY MATTER She says it helps me remember things Like long division and the songs I sing I kinda get I but I’m still confused It’s such a boring color How come it’s not red or green or blue? WHY OH WHY OH WHY WHY DOES GRAY MATTER WHY OH WHY OH WHY WHY DOES GRAY MATTER Of all the shiny choices in the technicolor world where we live Why is my brain gray? – instead of something like ROY G BIV? WHY OH WHY OH WHY WHY DOES GRAY MATTER (What difference could it make?) WHY OH WHY OH WHY WHY DOES GRAY MATTER (What difference could it make?)
9.
Inside My Cranium 02:10
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INSIDE MY CRANIUM Words & Music © 2010 Roger Day From the CD Why Does Gray Matter? Available at RogerDay.com My teacher’s always calling me the prince of procrastination I can find a million things to do instead of working on my multiplication So I’m gonna change my ways And I might even start today… IT’S TIME TO GET IT DONE INSIDE MY CRANIUM YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH CREATE A LITTE FUN INSIDE MY CRANIUM YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH My teacher’s always telling me there’s no time like the present That it’s impossible to spend my life avoiding everything unpleasant She’s got a point you know So maybe when I’m finished with this show… IT’S TIME TO GET IT DONE INSIDE MY CRANIUM YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH CREATE A LITTE FUN INSIDE MY CRANIUM YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH There’s gonna be a brand new me The whole world’s gonna see it…eventually IT’S TIME TO GET IT DONE INSIDE MY CRANIUM CREATE A LITTE FUN INSIDE MY CRANIUM IT’S TIME TO GET IT DONE INSIDE MY CRANIUM YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH PANDEMONIUM INSIDE MY CRANIUM YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH
10.
Concentration (Turn On Your Brain) 02:41
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CONCENTRATION (TURN ON YOUR BRAIN) Words & Music © 2010 Roger Day From the CD Why Does Gray Matter? Available at RogerDay.com Turn on your brain just like a radio Tuning in the station – Now you’re ready go, go, go! CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION Turn on your brain like a laser beam of light Focus on the problem first - yeah, you’ll get it right CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION Turn your brain like a satellite in space Communicate your answers to the whole human race CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION Turn your brain on! Turn your brain on! Turn your brain on!
11.
Get Your Brain in Gear 02:30
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GET YOUR BRAIN IN GEAR Words & Music © 2010 Roger Day From the CD Why Does Gray Matter? Available at RogerDay.com Get your brain in gear Get your brain in gear There’s no time for wasting here Get your brain in gear Let me make this very clear – you gotta get your brain in gear Get your brain in gear Get your brain in gear There’s no time for wasting here Get your brain in gear Let me make this very clear – you gotta get your brain in gear 1st gear… 2nd gear… 3rd gear… 4th gear… Goodness, gracious, sakes, alive It’s time to shift to turbo drive! Get your brain in gear Get your brain in gear There’s no time for wasting here Get your brain in gear Let me make this very clear – you gotta get your brain in gear
12.
Use Your Noodle 02:17
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USE YOUR NOODLE Words & Music © 2010 Roger Day From the CD Why Does Gray Matter? Available at RogerDay.com Now don’t you listen To the little voice in your head Telling you you’re not smart enough You’re better off giving up instead It might take a little time to work it out But you can solve the problem there’s no doubt YOU GOT TO USE YOUR NOODLE YOU GOT TO USE YOUR NOODLE YOU GOT TO USE YOUR NOODLE…RIGHT NOW No need to pay attention When your friends say they’ve had enough Go ahead and cover up your ears When they tell you that it’s just too tough There’s not single answer anywhere you can’t find When you flex the muscles in your mind YOU GOTTA USE YOUR NOODLE YOU GOTTA USE YOUR NOODLE YOU GOTTA USE YOUR NOODLE…RIGHT NOW N-O-O-D-L-E use your noooooodle N-O-O-D-L-E use your noooooodle N-O-O-D-L-E use your noooooodle N-O-O-D-L-E use your noooooodle (THAT’S WHAT I LIKE ABOUT) USE YOUR NOODLE YEAH, YOU GOT TO USE YOUR NOODLE EVERYBOY USE YOUR NOODLE…RIGHT NOW
13.
Build a Better World 02:40
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BUILD A BETTER WORLD Words & Music © 2010 Roger Day From the CD Why Does Gray Matter? Available at RogerDay.com If we put our heads together We can find the answers one by one You and I, we’ll make each other smarter And then we’ll leave a brighter future when we’re done OH, WE’LL BUILD A BETTER WORLD OH, WE’LL BUILD A BETTER WORLD We are standing on the shoulders The shoulders of giants - who lived long before They left behind the answers to so many mysteries Now it’s our turn to solve some more OH, WE’LL BUILD A BETTER WORLD OH, WE’LL BUILD A BETTER WORLD Now it’s our turn to do a little more OH, WE’LL BUILD A BETTER WORLD OH, WE’LL BUILD A BETTER WORLD If we put our heads together We can find the answers one by one…

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released January 1, 2010

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Roger Day Franklin, Tennessee

From his first job as a camp counselor to his current jam-packed concert schedule, ROGER DAY has been writing and performing, smart, interactive music that encourages kids and adults alike to SING LOUD, JUMP HIGH AND DREAM BIG! His newest CD INVINCIBLE! will help families everywhere SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND SAVE THE DAY! ... more

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