By John Ondrasik / As performed by Five For Fighting / Arranged by Deke Sharon
Item: 35-DS00132442
Digital Download
$2.99
Minimum order quantity: 10 copies
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Description
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John Ondrasik is the singer, songwriter, and sole member of Five For Fighting, a project that emerged in the late 1990s with a distinctive blend of piano-driven pop and introspective lyricism. His 2002 album 'American Town' produced "Superman (It's Not Easy)," which became a chart success and cultural touchstone for exploring vulnerability and the weight of unmet expectations. Ondrasik's songwriting prioritizes emotional clarity and melodic accessibility, qualities that make his work particularly engaging for choral arrangements.
Why we love this
Deke Sharon's arrangement transforms a contemporary pop ballad into something singers genuinely want to perform. The piece balances emotional depth with accessibility, allowing choirs to connect with modern material without sacrificing musicality. This is the kind of piece that builds concert attendance because audiences recognize the song and singers feel invested in bringing it to life.
What to expect
The piece carries the reflective, almost confessional tone of the original, with vulnerability built into every phrase. Singers navigate questions about identity and human limitation through music that feels intimate even when sung by many voices together.
Who it's for
Choirs comfortable with contemporary repertoire and looking to program music that resonates with modern audiences. This works well for groups with secure intonation and sensitivity to lyrical storytelling, from high school to adult ensembles.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the phrasing around the lyrical content rather than mechanical phrase lengths. The text about exhaustion and human limitation deserves rubato and dynamic nuance that reflects those emotions.
Balance the solo-to-ensemble sections carefully. If your arrangement includes featured voices, ensure they're supported rhythmically by the full ensemble so the performance feels cohesive rather than fragmented.
Pay attention to vowel consistency across all four parts, especially in the slower, sustained sections where blend directly impacts the emotional impact of the arrangement.
How to use it
Consider pairing this with other contemporary pieces to create a thematically coherent set about resilience or identity. The emotional terrain also makes it effective as a concert closer or as part of a program that builds from lighter repertoire into deeper, more introspective material.
Skills your students will build
Singing contemporary pop music with classical choral technique
Maintaining emotional transparency while managing dynamic subtlety
Balancing individual expression within ensemble blend
Interpreting modern songwriting conventions in a choral setting
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