Sunday, July 08, 2007

Mightier the Pen

Out of all the songs I have heard and sang, there is one that still sticks in my head, whose words (once) made me cry and my skin tingle, whenever I encounter it.

It is written in (kinda) outdated English, but contains some very powerful lyrics, unlike the pathetically trivial songs of today.

It's the school song of St. Andrew's, fung when I was a student in primary school, and for 3 months, in JC.


Lives are in the making here,
Hearts are in the waking here,
Mighty undertaking here,
Up and On!

We are arming for the fight,
Pressing on with all our might,
Pluming wings for higher flight,
Up and On!

(CHORUS)

Fair before us lies the way,
Time for work and time for play;
Fill the measure while we may,
Up and On!

Life and time will not delay,
Time is running fast away,
Life is now today, today,
Up and On!

(CHORUS)

Foes in plenty we shall meet,
Hearts courageous scorn defeat;
So we press with eager feet,
Up and On!

Ever onward to the fight,
Ever upward to the Light,
Ever true to GOD and RIGHT,
Up and On!

CHORUS
Up Boys! truest fame
Lies in high endeavour;
Play the game! Keep the flame
Burning brightly ever!


Truly, there is no other composition more capable of exhorting and uplifting a faltering student more than this song.

Look at the lyrics. They are written specifically for a student on the threshold of adulthood, exploring and searching for the meaning of life.
Amongst them lie these doctrines and truths, in order:

-Education awakens the mind and soul, and knowledge is the key to life.

-Life is a constant battle, and we need education to prepare us for it.

-Do not underestimate what you learn in school - it is the culmination of humanity's achievement up until our present day, being imparted to you.

-We've got our whole life ahead of us - use our time wisely; work and play, but do it all for an ultimate purpose.

-Never waste your time; it is impossible to regain.

-Do not be afraid of failure. Though others may mock you, keep your pace and press on towards your goal.

-Ultimately, be righteous and let God lead - He'll carry you through the battle of life.

-"Truest fame lies in high endeavour" - success will entail hard work, and people who would be famous in life take on challenges that no one else dared to.

-"Keep the flame burning brightly ever" - you are heir to a heritage passed on from generation to generation, and every alumni is responsible for receiving this 'flame', adding on to it with his lifetime's works, and then passing it on to future generations.

Run the race, keep the pace. Such is how you should lead your life.

jOhn thought at 4:12 PM