Our School Nativity Lyrics
Mr Poppy, Mr Maddens and St Bernadette KidsOur School Nativity
(Spoken)MR POPPY:
Okay, you are going to love these auditions, Mr Maddens.
These kids are amazing — and they are going to show us what they’ve got!
[Chorus: Children]
They want a part in our school nativity,
They want to be the best!
They'll be the stars of our school nativity,
Singing above the rest.
???? Watchin' your "ooh"
Watchin' your "ah"
Watchin’ them far, far, far...
In our school nativity!
And if they get the chance, they're going to shine,
They’ll make a baron dance, they’ll show us they’re divine!
They're gonna be the stars, not useless anymore,
Gonna leave us wanting more —
Leave us wanting more!
(Spoken)
Now, will you please just take notes?
Okay, hello — Alfie, what's your name?
ALFIE: Alfie!
And who do you want to play?
ALFIE: Joseph!
He's going to be amazing!
[Verse: Alfie’s Audition Song]
He wants to be Joseph the carpenter,
He’s the romantic lead!
He’s got the skills to be a great carpenter —
He goes red until he bleeds!
Watch him go “ooh”,
Watch him go “ah”,
Watch him go far, far, far...
In our school nativity!
(Spoken)
Yes, mate — that was brilliant!
Alright, next — what’s your name?
EVIE: Evie!
And who do you want to play, Evie?
EVIE: I want to be the star. The Star of Bethlehem!
Why?
EVIE: Because she’s shiny.
We need to work on our confidence, don’t we?
EVIE: Full on!
[Verse: Evie’s Audition Song]
And if I get the chance, I’m really gonna shine,
I’ll make a marion dance, I’ll show them I’m divine!
I’m gonna be the star, not useless anymore,
Gonna leave them wanting more —
Leave them wanting more!
(Spoken)
You're going through to the next round!
MR MADDENS: There's not a next round.
MR POPPY: Yes, there is — the Hollywood round!
Next!
OLLIE: Ollie!
And who do you want to play, mate?
OLLIE: I know you won’t let me... but I really want to be Joseph.
Why?
OLLIE:
Well... my mum’s just had a baby.
And my dad doesn’t think it’s his.
So... I think about it a lot.
MR POPPY:
Oh! Write down: sob story. Yeah.
[Rap Section: Ollie]
Wait a minute! You know that crib with the bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head?
His dad was all angry — like Jeremy Kyle,
His mum was all sulking, not even a smile!
He was shot down — woah! — but he wasn’t mean,
He was shot down — woah! — even on TV screens!
He was shot down — woah! — put down in the manger...
He was shot down... in his Nike trainers!
(Spoken, off-stage)
MR MADDENS:
Useless.
That’s all they are. They’re just useless.
You need to be more ruthless. They don’t even stand a chance!
MR POPPY (defensive):
Oh, come on!
[Duo: Teachers]
MR MADDENS (mocking):
Hopeless — that’s all they are,
They’re just hopeless!
A bunch of jokers —
They can’t even sing or dance!
MR POPPY (heartfelt):
But if they get a chance, they’re gonna shine!
Not useless —
They’ll leave us watching more,
Leave us watching more...
[Final Chorus: Full Company]
In our school nativity!
(Spoken – curtain closes)
MR POPPY:
I think we are going to Hollywood...
And nothing is gonna stop us!
Song Overview
Song Credits
- Featured: Mr Poppy, Mr Maddens, Alfie, Evie, Ollie, St Bernadette Kids
- Release Date: June 7, 2025
- Genre: Musical Theatre / Holiday Pop
- Instruments: Piano, Drums, Synths, Choir backing
- Label: Nativity! The Musical
- Mood: Uplifting, Comedic, Hopeful
- Track #: Part of "Nativity!" stage musical
- Language: English
- Music style: Ensemble musical, audition-format song
- Copyrights © 2025 Nativity! Productions
Song Meaning and Annotations
The Spotlight on Underdogs
The song "Our School Nativity" is the vibrant, riotous heart of the Nativity! musical — a gleeful collision of aspiration, chaos, and childhood wonder. It plays like a staged talent show in the middle of a holiday film, complete with heartfelt solos, comedic rap, and deadpan teacher commentary. The setting? A chaotic but hopeful primary school putting on the annual nativity play. But the stakes feel like the Oscars to these kids.They want a part in our school nativity, They want to be the best!There’s no irony here. The earnestness is loud and proud — kids auditioning with the passion of Broadway veterans. And yes, sometimes absurdly.
Characters Take the Mic
Verse: Alfie – wants to be Joseph. His audition is earnest, full of physical comedy and exaggerated sincerity. His verse slips into charming childish exaggeration:He goes red until he bleeds!That line plays like a comedic punch, but underneath it is the longing of a kid trying so hard to shine in a world that might not notice otherwise. Verse: Evie – she wants to be “the Star of Bethlehem... because she’s shiny.” Child logic at its purest, followed by a growing confidence. Rap: Ollie – a surprisingly raw turn. His verse taps into real-life emotional fractures: his mum’s new baby, his dad’s doubt — and channels it into biblical parody:
He was shot down... in his Nike trainers!It's a wild, poignant mashup of biblical story and 21st-century family drama filtered through the eyes of a child who just wants to be seen.
The Adults Weigh In
Mr Maddens and Mr Poppy provide contrast. One’s cynical (“useless”), the other fiercely defensive. Their duet, mockery versus hope, symbolizes the tug-of-war between dreams and practicality:Hopeless — that’s all they are... But if they get a chance, they’re gonna shine!
The Curtain Closes with Belief
With a final group chorus, the ensemble triumphs not through perfection, but through passion and heart. The musical insists that everyone — especially the overlooked and underestimated — deserves their spotlight.Similar Songs
- "Revolting Children" – Matilda the Musical
This song shares the same exuberant child-led rebellion energy. Both feature children asserting themselves against the odds, demanding to be heard. While "Our School Nativity" has a more sentimental holiday glow, "Revolting Children" is a war cry of wit and sarcasm. Yet, the core? Kids staking a claim on their moment. - "Tomorrow" – Annie
Optimism beams through both. Where Annie dreams of brighter days, the kids in "Our School Nativity" dream of just being noticed. Both songs lean heavily on hope, resilience, and the belief that something better (or shinier) lies ahead — maybe even Hollywood. - "You Will Be Found" – Dear Evan Hansen
This one takes a more emotional, introspective route. But the emotional core is kindred: no one wants to feel useless or forgotten. "Our School Nativity" dresses that in humor and sparkle, while Evan Hansen’s number drapes it in sincerity and digital age melancholy. Different outfits — same soul.
Questions and Answers
- What is the main message of "Our School Nativity"?
- It’s a celebration of inclusion, hope, and childhood dreams. It argues — with humor and heart — that every child deserves a chance to shine.
- Why is there a rap section in a Christmas play song?
- Ollie’s rap introduces a fresh, urban twist that reflects his personal story. It modernizes the nativity tale while giving him a unique voice — both literally and metaphorically.
- What role does Mr Poppy play in the song?
- Mr Poppy is the enthusiastic, sometimes chaotic cheerleader for the kids. He represents belief in underdogs and champions their potential against Mr Maddens' skepticism.
- Is this song meant to be funny or serious?
- Both. It walks a tonal tightrope — mixing heartfelt moments with slapstick humor and sarcasm. That duality makes it memorable and emotionally layered.
- How does the song reflect real-life school experiences?
- It captures the awkwardness, bravery, and sincerity of school auditions. Each child’s performance feels like a window into their inner world — funny, messy, and very real.
Fan and Media Reactions
"Ollie’s rap had me wheezing and crying at the same time. This musical really nails childhood innocence."– @musicaljunkie101
"The way these kids perform — it’s like they’re on The X Factor. Full commitment, zero irony. Love it."– @stagedoorobsessed
"Mr Poppy is the chaotic good energy I didn’t know I needed. His belief in those kids... tearjerker stuff."– @mrsbevanfanpage
"This is the most relatable school audition scene ever. I was Evie once. Still shiny, though."– @bethlovesglitter
"Somehow manages to be heartwarming, hilarious, and weirdly profound. 10/10."– @broadwaybaby456