Written by Morgan Mecaskey as part of Roots of American Music’s “Hough is My Home” series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland’s Hough community. Morgan collaborated with Willis and Marilyn Thomas. Originally from Ashtabula and Mount Pleasant, Willis and Marilyn exuded a vivacious, energetic, and grateful spirit as they described their individual lives growing up in Cleveland, raising children, and eventually finding one another, and building a beautiful life together. It seems that no matter what Willis and Marilyn are doing or where they are, they are happy, so long as they’re together. The community of Hough and the Fatima Family Center in particular has brought many new experiences into the Thomas’ lives, for which they are thankful.
Where You Belong
Verse 1:
Well he grew up out east on the lake
Ashtabula County
Though now in decline
It’s replete with fine
Indigenous and freedom fighting history
He’s been around all parts of town
Cleveland Heights to Glenville in the city
He’s witnessed Hough
She’s rugged, she’s tough
But she’s beautifying nicely
Chorus 1:
Sometimes you’ve got to move a little
To find out where you belong
I never knew a home like this
Till I settled down, uh-huh
Verse 2:
She is from the southeast part of town
Mount Pleasant – great views of the city
Worked downtown then at a lab where she found
The man she’d love eventually
Well they met on a blind date
Mutual friends made the connection
Second time is always the charm
And six months later
They were wedded
Chorus 2:
Sometimes you’ve got to love a little
To find out where you belong
Babe, I never knew a love like this
Till I found myself in your arms
Verse 3:
When I look at you and you at me
Words need not be spoken
The gift of your company
Is all I’ve ever wanted
We lean into joy, we rest upon grace
Grateful we’re here, here together
Live into the things we both delight in
Shared experience, nothing better
Chorus 3:
Sometimes you’ve got to live a little
To find out where you belong
I never knew a gift like this
Till I found myself finally home
Verse 4:
Well Fatima Center is our second home
Spicing up our week
From yoga, to field trips, to Tai Chi
Fatima’s gift, is family
Chorus 4:
Sometimes you’ve got to be a little
To find out where you belong
We never quite knew community
Till we chose to plant and grow.