“Perseverance”

Music by The Living Fields
Lyrics by Jon Higgs

In a footstep begins the journey, on(wards, through)

Through gritted teeth, determined
Driving need to explore
Conquer the world without bringing death
Against elements and extremes, still press ahead

Just to plant a flag on a lonely rock

Staring at the sky
Watching as clouds form
And then break apart

Everyone must choose their own path to take
Prayer will not save you so rely on yourself

...to change the plan or you will lose
Firm conviction starts from an early lesson
Came from a dreamer to a man accomplished
Modest abilities combine a little luck with motivation

No chance for fear to emerge

Seven major failures came before
Not even sure if it can be done
Colleagues fall by the way, turned back
With a pristine view, now down to two

Time stands still but the mind accelerates

Axe thrust in the snow
Leave ice fall behind
Final barrier

Ahead the step as seen, known but yet unknown
Find a way between and up into the clear

...blue sky and ridge now all laid out
A first confidence that we would reach the top
All the heights of the planet below my feet
Above the infinite, as we take the summit, done.

Offering, a quaint gift to the gods

Quiet satisfaction, peace of mind
As we gave it everything we had
Then there’s still the task of getting down
From the thin air of the peak

Represent the spirit of our time

That was when the most excitement came
Safely off the mountain back at camp
Never believed the words told of myself
Crowning glory, gift for a new Queen

Never a feeling of righteous destiny

Company, the likes of which is rare
Maybe sad the world is a smaller place
Well, George, we knocked the bastard off!