Lulu (aka Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie), the Scottish born singer, had been a star in Britain since 1964 when she hit the Top Ten with a raucous version of "Shout". In 1967, she landed her first film appearance in the timeless movie To Sir With Love, starring screen legend Sidney Poitier. The film is a story about the aspiring Engineer, Mark Thackery (Sidney Poitier) who finds himself stuck in a dead end job teaching a class full of rebellious, lower class kids in one of London's worst secondary schools, North Quay. Lulu plays the sassy little brat Ms. Peg, who actually sings the title track in the movie's finale. The song was originally written by Don Black & Marc London who had penned many huge hits for film over the years. This song is the running theme throughout the film, and the melody is very infectious. So much so that it stuck with me for years.

I remember when I was young, my father Hugh Joseph McGee (1930-2004 RIP) would not let me touch the TV unless I watched what he had on. Fortunately for me, he loved classic movies. Year after year there were certain ones he would always see, and To Sir With Love was one of them. I was probably 10 years old the first time I saw it. I was very rebellious as a kid, as most kids are, and I remember watching this movie and thinking, "Oh my God there's hope, I can do all these insane things that are going on in my head (rocking like Kiss, with my Les Paul copy, leather boots, explosions, girls and millions of people screaming) and it's all gonna be ok".  This movie, filled with other young rebels, somehow instilled confidence in me to follow my dreams and know that it was all gonna work out. I still get a feeling of my youthful innocence when I watch it, and I love that about it.

Through the years I would be drawn to amazing female vocalists such as Ann Wilson, Kate Bush, Sarah Brightman, Sandi Saraya and countless others. Eventually I realized one day where it all started, and it was Lulu and this song! Ever since then, I thought it'd be a cool song to cover. Many people have done versions of it, including the legendary Al Green. One day when talking with Nicole about great songs that would be fun to do, To Sir With Love came up and she said, "Hey let's do it and let's make it rock". That was all I needed to hear! The version we've done is the full length version with three verses of lyrics in it. This version is only in the movie. The actual single release was an edit with only 2 of the verses. It's really a fun song for us to play, and for me there are many personal reasons I'm attached to it, memories of my Dad being the biggest! There's something timeless about it, and I think that anyone can relate to it in some way. This must be why it was a #1 hit in the U.S. and why it's a hit at the Luvplanet shows! Thanx Lulu!

Mark / Luvplanet

To Sir With Love
Words and music by Don Black & Marc London © 1967

Those school girl days of telling tales and biting nails are gone,
But in my mind I know they will still live on and on,
But how do you thank someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume.
It isn't easy but I'll try

If you wanted the sky I'd write across the sky in letters
that would soar a thousand feet high,
To Sir, With Love.

Those awkward years, have hurried by why did they fly away.
Why is it Sir children grow up to be people one day,
What takes the place of climbing trees and dirty knees in the world outside?
What is there for you I can buy?

If you wanted the world I'd surround it with a wall I'd scrall
These words with letters ten feet tall,
To Sir, With Love.

The time has come, for closing books and long last looks must end,
And as I leave I know that I am leaving my best friend,
A friend who taught me right from wrong, and weak from strong.
That's a lot to learn.
What can I give you in return?

If you wanted the sky I'd write across the sky
If you wanted the world I'd surround it with a wall
If you wanted the moon I would try to make a start

If you wanted the sky
If you wanted the world
If you wanted the moon

If you want to try