- published: 03 Oct 2009
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Five for Fighting is the stage name of American singer-songwriter John Ondrasik. He is best known for his piano-based rock, such as the Top 40 songs "Superman (It's Not Easy)" (2001), "100 Years" (2003), and "The Riddle" (2006).
John Ondrasik was born on January 7, 1965, in Los Angeles, a child of a musical family. In his early years, Ondrasik learned the piano, and in his teens he learned to play the guitar and started to write music. While he also learned to sing opera briefly, he soon decided that he would like to be a singer/songwriter. Ondrasik graduated from UCLA with a degree in applied science and mathematics. While in college he continued to pursue music in his spare time. He adopted the name "Five for Fighting," which is an expression in ice hockey, which he used to play, when a player receives a five-minute penalty for fighting. Ondrasik is a life-long fan of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings.
Ondrasik's first album, Message for Albert, was released by EMI in 1997. Capitol Records re-released this album after the success of America Town.
I don't know you
I never met you
For Laughs I'll call you Sam
You were the son
Of Mrs. Someone
I hope she understands
Sam you were all that you had
Are you happy or sad
I never knew you
But I'm told you're the best that we had
Were you so tall
Did you play Basketball
Was there a sweetheart at home
Did you write her letters
Did it make you better face the great unknown
Sam did you feel alone
You were so far from home
I never knew you
But I know you're the best man I know
Could you tell it was time
See it coming in the back of your mind
When it was over
Was it over
Sam I'm glad you're on my side
I don't know you
I never met you
Can I call you Sam
Did you have a son
A daughter with a little one
I might go and thank
Sam you're the best that we have
You make me happy and sad
If you were here, I'd buy the beers
I'd shake your hand and say good man
And though the sun would shine about the same
It's a better World because you came