COMISSIONED BY MANHATTAN SPECIAL OLYMPICS (ALONG WITH "FANFARE-MARCH OF THE ATHLETES", AS THEIR OFFICIAL THEME SONG.
The songs were used for their major events at ICANN Stadium on Randall’s Island.
I first performed the song for a fund raiser at The Plaza Hotel, Oyster Bar and then after a “celebrity” basketball game I played in for their “Friendship Circle”. I didn’t really know too many of the so-called celebrities but I did meet a few former olympians including Otis “My Man” Davis, gold medalist from the 1960 Rome Olympics. We hit it off and I actually tried to help him get a gig with the sports dept at NYU as it seemed he was on hard times. ( I introduced him to Cal Ramsey - the Alumni Athletic Director). Nancy Hogshead (swimmer, I think) and Jo Jo Starbuck (ice skater) also participated.
During the game, Richard Brown from Law & Order was running fast breaks and slamming on the “special” kids. I called a time out and said, “what’re you doing man? You know they’re supposed to win”. I then cause a number of turnovers in their favor and even put the ball in the basket for them once or twice so they could at least catch up and then take the lead.
The event was sponsored by The Plaza Hotel and Trump was cavorting with his then “super mistress, er, I mean super model, Marla Maples (some people really have no shame). She was actually very nice and had an OK set shot. The putzy weatherman Bill Evans from Channel 7 was annoyed that she was talking to me rather than him…
Trump didn’t show until the cameras arrived and left as soon as they did. I need a pardon for having shook his slimy little hand. Afterwards, I checked for my wallet and felt the need for a shower.
Anyway, the song is now revamped for 2020. A good way to end this lousy year and begin a fresh, new one.
lyrics
Take a Hand, Make a Friend
Music and lyrics by Robert Porembski
VERSE 1:
Rushin’ through your busy day,
Sometimes you lose your way.
Adrift on the ocean,
Like a boat without a sail.
When you’re feelin’ way off course,
Tap into a greater source.
Why be alone?
When all you have to do,
Is reach out and –
CHORUS:
Take a hand, make a friend.
You’ll see that we’re all special in our own way.
When you help someone else,
You really help yourself.
Take a hand and make a friend right next to you.
VERSE 2:
It seems like you’ve got everything,
All the gifts that life can bring,
Yet still you feel empty,
With a need down deep inside.
Well you’re not the only one,
So help yourself and help someone.
Why be alone?
When all you have to do,
Is reach out and – CHORUS
