THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! Blind reaction to Home Free - Don't Laugh At Me

[@SBQDawn]

Mark wrote this before his daughter was born. She joins him in this video. Just like Dad she has a great voice.

[@DennisKovacich]

I thought he wrote it because she was being bullied.

[@dagmar.6954]

Actually "Don't Laugh At Me" was written by Allen Shamblin & Steve Seskin. Allen Shamblin was inspired to write the song after his school-aged daughter was teased by her peers because of her freckles.

[@chrismorin1318]

And this is why we Home Fries are so intensely loyal! Our guys don't shy away from sensitive social issues! They meet them head on with full intention to make the message heard! You are doing a wonderful job yourself at making your party of this world a heart felt, compassionate place! ❤

[@disney4real]

The two amazing actors have Down Syndrome. The medical term is trisomy 21. Three 21st chromosomes, rather than two. Hence the name 21 Pineapples. They sell awesome shirts you should check them out! Thank you for the wonderful reaction! 🤗❤️

[@karenlincoln4057]

We have a 4 year old grandson with Down’s Syndrome. He is the sweetest little boy and hope as he grows he is not a target of bullies. This song touched me to the core.

[@mjackson780]

She is Mark's daughter and she was bullied when she was younger. He wrote this song for her.

[@dagmar.6954]

Thanks for your reaction! This song has a very powerful message to a very serious subject. Love that Home Free isn't afraid to tackle the issue of bullying. And I really appreciate that Home Free doesn't take the limelight away from the original artist & the message. Both of these young actors have Down Syndrome & they did an awesome job in their parts!

[@minneyruth]

#21Pineapples everyone should see this.

[@changlyn100]

That is his daughter who comes out (Mark's) What a great song! Home Free made is even more special

[@bernieregnier4500]

Note: featuring Mark Will's daughter, Macey.

[@susanengland3919]

I've watched this a dozen times and it still makes me cry!

[@vickiadkins9844]

HF are angels here on earth

[@beckiramsey9561]

I never could understand bullying!😢🤬 This song always makes me cry! 😢 Such beautiful lyrics and wonderful voices! My favorite part of the video, which really got me was when he handed the extra lunches to those boys, that makes me lose it right there EVERY TIME! 😭 Glad you reacted to this one!❤

[@k1k2voyer]

*deep breath* * prepares to be reduced to ugly crying. Again. Perfect song for anti- bullying month!

[@sallycripe2697]

I'm sure by now someone else has answered this, but just in case...the girl in blue is Mark's daughter, who this song was written and sung for back in the day (originally years ago). Mark is the original singer of this song. Also, there was another girl doing sign language.

[@lsteber9774]

Everyone, please share this across YT and other platforms. With all the hate in the world today, we need this more than ever.

[@LynnRamsay]

A wonderful collaboration and such an amazing song and message Mark Wills released this song in 1998 Nate Simon the young man in this video is the CEO of 21 Pineapples he started the company to change the way people perceive people with Down Syndrome and other special abilities. A percentage of the sales of his shirts like the ones he was wearing in the video go to Down Syndrome organizations around the world.

[@nancyholter5646]

I have had a love/hate relationship with this song since it first came out sooo many years ago. I have never understood "getting your pleasure" from someone's pain, but too often those with big pains themselves do exactly that. And too many see kids like these, or the band/choir/art/drama kids, or the poor kid with ratty shoes, etc. as someone they can 'look down' on and treat as sub-humans in an effort to make themselves feel superior. HF often tackles social issues - One Voice, People, Everybody Walkin' This Land, What we Need is Love, I am sure there are more of them - and they don't make a big thing about it, no advertisements in the papers to say "Hey, look what we're doing here!", they just do it.

[@kirstenwyatt9675]

Oh gods, I hope he made sure to have tissues available!

[@elvwood]

I agree with everything you said, and yes I cried again when he gives lunches to the bullies. That always gets me! I'd like to give a shout-out to the youngsters playing the bullies, because people tend to focus on the heroes but you need actors to play those roles too. Sometimes actors get hate for playing mean parts; I hope they got none.

[@kmwwrench]

When I got the notification for this, my immediate response was "Oh, crap. He's gonna make me cry again." And you - and they - did. I'm so glad that the Home Free guys have such big hearts and aren't afraid to share their opinions with the world.

[@bernieregnier4500]

Home Free's interpretation for their videos for the vast array of genre they perform is sensational and very entertaining. They have videos that are serious and sincere to funny and hilarious and often catch us the audience discerning that a great amount of thought went into producing to enhance the message in the delivery. They bring an emotional aspect that is fresh and thought provoking each time. They are very intentional and deliver with excellence. They simply don't put out junk, they bring it with a very high end and are very deliberate with their message of their productions. ❣

[@bobbywheeler4810]

"She" Is Marks daughter 🙂

[@JoanN63]

A beautiful collaboration. Mark Wills is a great singer. And then my favorite group Home Free in the background sounds fabulous. A beautiful song and video with a sad subject and important message. I know what bullying is. Not by children, but by the teachers. I never told my family and thought I could handle it all. Now I am almost 59 years old, and only 2 years ago did I find out what bullying has determined my life. It's so good that it's getting attention. Because bullying has to end. Think about what you're doing to someone like that.

[@carladewitt1947]

Two thoughts here. I just attended my 50th high school reunion a couple of weeks ago. I came from a big high school - over 1100 in my graduating class. So the school was big enough for everyone to find their niche. It was, however, interesting how many people I talked to who all said that in high school they never felt like they fit in, that no one understood them and that they felt ugly and stupid and weird. To see the amazing things that these people have accomplished over the last 50 years is mind-blowing. So, if you feel like you don't belong, you're not alone, so does everyone else including the cheerleaders and the brainiacs and the theater people and the jocks, etc. etc. Thought two, regarding the two boys in the video who kept tearing the lunch bag - Hurt people hurt people. That the "hero" in this video was able to see through their awful behavior to the hurt that made them act out, and then have the courage to extend a hand in friendship, that was truly inspirational. Love HF. they have such a great way of telling a story that really pulls your heartstrings.

[@tammymoseley1348]

I went to 23 different schools. I was always the "weird new kid" who found her people in the band kids and the theater kids because they were just odd enough to accept everyone, no matter where I was. And yes, I do craft and cosplay, and sing, and love the world a little differently.

[@roniboyd613]

Hey, you beat me by a few schools 😊

[@kenf3539]

I can relate... going to 13 schools in 12 grades. I was fortunate though, all four years of high school were at the same school. Our band was cool, growing from 13 to 149 people in four years. Went from nothing (not even uniforms) to tours, trophies, and competition winners. I can still remember a kid in my electronics class in eighth grade saying "You're leaving already? You just got here!" after one year at that school.

[@tammymoseley1348]

@@kenf3539 I ended up at 8 high schools spread across 4 states. Mom liked to move, I guess.

[@susanhorn4325]

23 schools is a LOT! I’m so glad you were able to find your people (band and theater kid here too).

[@chericeevans9990]

To quote Jaqueline Carey “Love as thou wilt” and Anne Bishop “may your heart travel lightly because what you carry becomes part of the world”

[@starcarm]

Mark Wills is a country artist. He had some big hits in the late 90s/early 2000s. He originally released this song 25 years ago.

[@rulab]

Oh gosh your insight into this song is so adorable...you really do have the purest heart and soul DJ, thank you for showing us that part of you. We are always so lucky when we get to see into your heart

[@belinda9696]

I think the girl actor was watching the dances on a platform like TikTok and then she happily posted a video of herself dancing just like they did and then she later was looking at the comments and was really upset. People's comments can really be brutal sometimes, people bully in comments and it can be extreme.

[@tpot2914]

I grew up with this song being my anthem and it still holds a place in my heart... Kim about to turn 37 and let me tell you.. bullying doesnt just go away with age.. I'm 5'3" and different than others and people just love to point that out... I try to treat people the way I WANT to be treated, but its difficult... but this song is amazing

[@denise_landry]

Thanks DJ ~ 🖤🍟

[@Maerahn]

This one is definitely a must-listen if you're doing the anti-bullying month - I was waiting for it to appear in your reactions, and of course you didn't disappoint! I must've watched this a hundred times now, and it still makes me cry EVERY DAMN TIME. Home Free are good-hearted souls.

[@jamanga59]

I heard that Mark wrote this for his daughter (The woman that was standing beside Mark and singing with them). I also heard that she was bullied because she was always taller than the other kids in school. You should definitely check him out. He has a lot of really good songs and his video of this song is even more heart breaking.

[@marshac7738]

As a neurodivergent parent of a neurodivergent child, I've not seen the problem of bullying improve a bit in an entire generation 😢 but I wholeheartedly appreciate Mark Wills and Home Free for spotlighting the issue. This topic--and song--always make me cry...my heart hurts for our kids 💔

[@katrinaprescott5911]

Ditto. Loved learning but school was a torment. Spent most of my school years in special ed (despite reading somewhere above 12th grade level in third grade). Daughter exactly the same 20 years later, minus the special ed. She wasn't diagnosed as neurodivergent until she was an adult because although school was difficult, at home she was "normal". I was only ever diagnosed with ADHD (informally, before it entered the DSM) because when I was young "neurodivergent" wasn't a thing and "autistic" meant unable to communicate. My daughter's experience with school was just as painful as mine.

[@Drakainas._.heart._.]

I loved this song when it first came out, and I love Home Free's rendition. I was always the weird kid in school that was bullied by being made fun of or ignored if it was a good day, to my classmates that lived nextdoor shooting me with BB guns...Even when we moved it was like I had a sign on my forehead, plus I was a PK to boot. Now, as an adult, I'm still weird but I'm good with it. I'd rather be happy being me than miserable trying to be someone else. ❤

[@patriciavernon9795]

I believe Mark Wills wrote this song. Make sure to listen to the message at the end. I believe they won 6 Telly Awards for this song. ❤

[@susanhorn4325]

Mark Wills is the original artist, but based on an earlier comment, I don’t think he wrote it.

[@edsartistry]

This song brings tears to my eyes every time because in a small way my wife can relate. She was a tint skinny little shy girl in grade school and was bullied because she was too small to stand up to the bigger kids. Then she blossomed, by puberty, at a very young 10 years old and within a year was wearing a B cut bra, the same size as her mom. Always being ridiculed by other girls who were jealous and chased and groped by the boys. So she regressed into herself and became even more introverted until high school where she started becoming more open. Anyway I love that these guys are not afraid of bringing light to sensitive issues and they do it with GRACE. This is why we LOVE these guys!! Thanks for your comments and keep 'em comin'.

[@rebeccaashmore7025]

This film clip stopped me in my tracks unpacking our boxes and setting up our home last week. I held my baby girl extra tight. Now all the family is asleep and I'm watching your reaction and absolutely bawling my eyes out.

[@richb313]

Thanks for your personal reaction to this song these guys use every opportunity to support a good cause.

[@susanhorn4325]

Beautiful reaction to the perfect anti-bullying song!

[@sondragill6739]

From what I’ve read, the two young boys playing the bullies had a VERY hard time doing this video.

[@trinaward1005]

Amazing song that made me cry! The quality / content of Home Free videos is stunning! There are 2 videos you should watch even though they aren't part of the monthly theme: Yours (Chance centric) and What we aint got.

[@daleb1279]

Mark has been going strong in the music industry for several decades now and sounds as good as he does when he first broke through. He has always had the ability to choose really heart felt message songs including this one. Jenna Lee who appeared and signed in the video often signs at Mark's concerts. His beautiful daughter Macey also appears in the video. When the song came out, I had asked a comment if it was Mark playing guitar and he actually responded no not on this one, but Mark is also a great guitarist. Definitely worth reacting to some of his videos.

[@allybandy3047]

That's our purpose on earth, turning hate to love.

[@chericeevans9990]

She is Mark’s daughter

[@melgerlach6356]

Mark Wills has been around for a few years. This was his first song he came out with. The girl is his daughter who was singing with him. Its a beautiful song with lots of meaning behind it.

[@KaaSerpent]

Ooooh, this one breaks me every time. Good luck, DJ.

[@wendynattinger8415]

Watch his original video of dont laugh at me. Mark wills is amazing as well. Thank you for doing this video

[@patriciawoyczik1657]

Enjoyed your reaction! Nate...the Great...is CEO of his company...21 Pineapples !

[@babyfry4775]

Such a sweet song. That girl in the blue dress is Mark’s daughter. She was bullied for a time when she was younger. Loved the kids and Mark has a great voice. 😍🥰

[@bethcoussou]

Amazing reaction and viewpoint! This was an exceptional video for anti-bullying awareness! Those two young people were amazing! Mark Wills, his daughter (at the end of the video) and Home Free sounded great together! Home Free had a promo after the video for all the Home Fries who could buy a shirt to support 21 Pineapples. I happily bought one!

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Thank you for this wonderful reaction, Mark made this song when my kids were young, such a powerful song! The lady singing is Mark's daughter and she does have a lovely voice.

[@professionalvampire1]

I cried when I heard Mark Wills sing this in the 90s, and I cried again when I heard this version. The song is incredible and one that everyone needs to hear, understand, and live.

[@stanrock2225]

Powerful

[@carlrabehl2404]

"Don't hate on yourself for being a weirdo". LOVE that you said that. I try to tell my boys that message everyday. I subscribed because of that!

[@bjwoolbright7708]

Remember when Mark first released this song in 1998.

[@EyeofStormTarot]

You have such a beautuful soul!!! I'm a fan!!

[@corinnaschmidt9735]

This song makes me cry. Every time I hear it. So perfect.

[@rllangevin3841]

A beautiful reaction to a wonderful video reminding us of an on-going problem that we each can help to address in our own realm. Thx DJ!

[@amyware563]

The song was written by Allen Shamblin when his daughter came home from school and told him that she was being teased because of her freckles.

[@roniboyd613]

Love this song so much❤ You get so much warm fuzzy feelings😊 Mark Wills is still singing, his hits started in the 90s. Try 'I Do (Cherish You)'

[@theirishslyeyes]

I've always loved this song, and hearing Hoke Free cover it was just the icing on the cake ✨✨ Mark Wills has such a stunning voice; if you're interested in hearing another of his beautiful songs, you should check out, "Wish You Were Here" ❤️

[@dianeritthaler7792]

And this is why we love Homefree ❤️ ❤This was so well done.

[@lunarose698]

The woman singing with mark Willis is his daughter. She can sing so well❤

[@jillchamberlain6478]

Glad you got to see this one. Home Free does an amazing job of presenting ideas and drawing us in.

[@antrazitaj5209]

Very fitting choice for anti bullying month

[@joyvanderveer2282]

Thank you so much for the depth of your reaction to the video. Mark and his daughter both have incredible voices and love to sing for a good cause. The fact that they got these two actors to do this video just made it better. They both have down syndrome and prove that it doesn't have to stop you from being a part of the "outside world". This story and the video both get across a very important point and I am so glad that you are doing so much towards anti-bullying month. God bless.

[@SandyLeeManley]

That's Marks daughter

[@bryanpscolka7280]

That is marks daughter. She has an amazing voice. Check her out.

[@c.k5723]

Good evening everyone. Sad part is, this happens on a daily bases. When will it stop?😢

[@terimingle8957]

Love this song and above all the message!! Lived your reaction DJ! Much love and thanks!!❤

[@barbarakennedy2667]

Home Free is very happy to support worthy causes. They all have great big hearts.

[@DevilsRose]

no matter what format this song is in i always cry

[@debbie3109]

Heart melting!

[@chericeevans9990]

I hope he has tissues 😢

[@karenlincoln4057]

21 Pineapples is a Down’s syndrome awareness group out of Hawaii. They have a lot of merchandise and they are actually making a movie right now with Down’s Syndrome kids and adults as the actors. In fact, I think the young man in the video is one of the actors. 21 Pineapples refers to an anomaly/trisomy of the 21st chromosome.

[@leslieoneal4464]

He's probably playing himself in the movie. 😉 Nate is the CEO of 21 Pineapples! 👍

[@BettyP1952]

She was bullied at an early age for freckles. Mark wrote this I believe in 1998 to bring awareness to her plight. 😢

[@kathrinewatson6321]

It's ok, I have watched this video sooooooooooo many times and I still cry.

[@dianeritthaler7792]

The girl was also doing sign language. Appreciated your comments

[@conniestone2806]

You are awesome! I love your reactions, I love how honest and emotional you are. I love how you are moved so much and show us. I knew this one would get to your heart! It was one I watched when it came out last year but actually had to stop for a long time. It's hard on the heart if you are super tender-hearted and have young kids in your life who are around bullying every day in some way. But, this song is incredible and I had to watch your reaction. I was in tears again, of course but knew the really good part was coming. I cry hard then too! Watching love in action, "kill them" with kindness actions, etc. Wow! Thanks for all of your really great comments you had during the video. It meant a lot. Take care.

[@nethanelmasters5170]

I was bullied all through grade school becausee i was so tall skinny with over sized ears it all stopped the first week in high school when they went after my very pretty older sister. I stood up for her visits to the school nurse for three boys i seen the principle in his office mom kaakaaad

[@TonyLedu]

Mark is a country singer that u need to check out!!!!!!

[@AngB517]

This one hurt when Mark released it in '98, it still does.

[@susanengland3919]

#Home Free

[@ASLLover666]

that's marks daughter

[@shanebell9017]

Bullies have always pissed me off. Some of the most "human" human beings i have had the great pleasure to know through my life are those with disabilities like Down Syndrome and MS. Meet them and talk to them if you ever have the chance.

[@anitawright7169]

This is so very awesome! This shows how things can change for the good. Love your reaction!

[@paulavasko4633]

Beautiful reaction! Thank you!

[@stevemorvant7626]

I think that she is Mark’s daughter!

[@pattymesagal2654]

thank you for your insight it really hit home. thank you and blessings

[@karlschmitt6359]

The Bible says to overcome evil with good! That is how you beat teasing, bullying, sin! I was that boy growing up, I got bullied and teased because I struggled with school in general (math, reading, etc..) People, especially kids can be mean, and I didn't handle it the right way, I was very emotional, I cried and fought back. As a Christian man I have forgiven those people who hurt me! The world would say lash out, but God in the Bible says we must overcome evil with good and forgive! The Bible doesn't have a list of things we don't have to forgive, it just says to forgive as Christ forgave us! Kids can be mean and so can adults(adults are just more cunning and manipulative with their teasing and bullying) Please support anti-bullying month(October)

[@kathrinewatson6321]

I post this song every October and others for Anti Bullying month!

[@marianneszijj]

Wow… 😭😍

[@bella-xp7qd]

The girl in the blue dress that came out at the end is Mark's daughter.

[@BettyP1952]

Superb!😢❤

[@susangreene-xy7ro]

❤😢😊❤

[@librarylady13]

[@donnaflynn9615]

Great reaction!

[@kimberlygarwood-jl5om]

I've had trouble with my weight since I was a kid. Yes, I had kids laugh and make fun. Kids are kids. But when adults do it it's wrong. God made me who I am. I'm cool with it.

[@jennharris6066]

I think Peter, Paul and Mary did it originally?

[@dagmar.6954]

Mark Wills did the original in 1998 & Peter, Paul & Mary did a cover of it the following year in 1999.