A long time ago, this place was on the news because it was about to close. We read about it in Current Events in history class. I was a senior in high school. I wrote the following song during study hall one afternoon. It was 1963. I had seen the movie South Pacific a few years earlier and had always liked the song Bali Ha’i. If you know the tune, sing the following words to that tune. Today, with the internet, just Google the song and you can listen to it. Below, you will see the first and only draft of my only song. I just had to dig it out of the bottom of my cedar chest. I hope you enjoy. Recently, this cold gloomy place has been on the news again.

Alcatraz

Alcatraz awaits you.
On that rock, in the bay.
Once you're there, 
There's no escaping.
You will stay.
You will stay.

Alcatraz is calling;
Hear it shout through the gloom.
You don't need a reservation.
We've got room.
We've got room.

Your own special cell.
Your own racketeers.
Living together
for 99 years.

Alcatraz is saying
From that rock on that bay,
Come to me, 
Your special island
For a free holiday.

Alcatraz, Alcatraz, Alcatraz. 
by Kathleen May 1963