Why Does it Have to be Me?
Due to its positioning in Leon's career, and the fact that this children's song was initially donated to Roy and Val Bailey, "Why Does it Have to be Me" is closely associated with "Kangaroos Like to Hop". Both numbers seem to have been written around the same time, developed from remarks made by children. In this case the song was inspired by Leon's daughter Daniela, and is located from the child's perspective, bemoaning the endless rules and restrictions imposed by adults - despite which it manages to wear a smile on its face.
Roy and Val Bailey recorded it for their children's LP of 1968, but Leon would secure his own version in the 1970s. It would be recorded again for his children's album in the 1990s.
Roy and Val Bailey recorded it for their children's LP of 1968, but Leon would secure his own version in the 1970s. It would be recorded again for his children's album in the 1990s.
“A children’s song, the first of many, written for my older daughter, Daniela, when she reached the obstreperous age of about five.” - LR (sleevenotes to The World Turned Upside Down (CD box set), p14)
Recordings
Cover Version (1968) By Roy & Val Bailey
Version 1 (1975)
Version 2 (1994)
- Oats & Beans & Kangaroos
Version 1 (1975)
Version 2 (1994)