Backstory:
Waterlogged Teaching is a band born from the murky backwaters of southern Louisiana, the brainchild of high school physics teacher, Hank McCluskey. After years of teaching by day and playing in local bars by night, Hank’s life took a drastic turn when a hurricane flooded his home and school. In the midst of the wreckage, he found solace in songwriting, and Waterlogged Teaching was born. Teaming up with fellow teachers and musicians, Bethany, a math teacher on the drums and Ray, an English teacher on bass, they turned all their pains, joys, and unique teaching experiences into songs.
Genre:
Waterlogged Teaching’s music is a mix of Southern Rock with a twist of Blues and a hint of Indie Folk. Their songs are a blend of melancholic lyrics and energetic hooks, reminiscent of the struggle and resilience of their hometown.
Song Title:
“Lessons in the Rain”
Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[Am] Down by the bayou, [D] under the southern sky, [G]
[Am] A classroom’s standing, [D] where dreams used to fly. [G]
[D] The books are all soaked, [Am] the chalkboard is grey,
[G] But the spirit’s alive, [D] it just won’t fade away.
(Chorus)
[C] Teaching in the water, [G] learning in the pain,
[D] Lessons are much deeper, [Am] when they come with rain.
[C] We’ve been waterlogged, [G] but not washed away,
[D] We’ll write our story, [Am] with the colors of the bay.
(Verse 2)
[Am] The hurricane took, [D] what we held dear, [G]
[Am] But can’t wash away, [D] the tunes we hear. [G]
[D] We strum our sorrows, [Am] and beat our joy,
[G] In every note, [D] in every chord, boy.
(Chorus)
[C] Teaching in the water, [G] learning in the pain,
[D] Lessons are much deeper, [Am] when they come with rain.
[C] We’ve been waterlogged, [G] but not washed away,
[D] We’ll write our story, [Am] with the colors of the bay.
Favorite Fan:
Their most devoted fan, Sarah, a librarian from New Orleans, shares, “Waterlogged Teaching has conveyed the spirit of our community through their music. They turned something so tragic into a beautiful expression of resilience. Their songs, especially ‘Lessons in the Rain’, is a tribute to our spirit. It resonates with me and with everyone who has endured the hurricane and its aftermath. They are my favorite band because they represent us, share our stories, and give us a voice.”