paradigm

one quest of the musical theater performer is to find good audition songs.  recently, a song was mentioned to me that i've really fallen for.  it's from "the scarlet pimpernel" (music by frank wildhorn and lyrics by nan knighton).  i'm endeavoring to make it my life paradigm song for the first few months of the new year.  given all the challenges in this new city for me, it seems more than appropriate.  i offer it to you, as well, for whatever challenges the new year brings your way.  

"into the fire"

david walked into the valley

with a stone clutched in his hand.

he was only a boy, but he knew someone must take a stand.

there will always be a valley,

always mountains one must scale.

there will always be perilous waters which someone must sail.

into valleys, into waters, into jungles, into hell.

let us ride, let us ride home again with a story to tell.

into darkness, into danger, into storms that rip the night.

don't give in, don't give up,

but give thanks for the glorious fight.

you can tremble, you can fear it

but keep your fighting spirit alive boys.

let the shiver of it sting you

fling into battle, spring to your feet boys.

never hold back your step for a moment.

never doubt that your courage will grow.

hold your head even higher and into the fire we go.

are there mountains that surround us?

are there wall that block the way?

knock 'em down, strip 'em back boys

and forward and into the fray.

into terror, into valor charge ahead, no, never turn.

yes, it's into the fire we fly and the devil will burn.

someone has to face the valley.

rush in, we have to rally and win boys.

when the world is saying not to

by god, you know you've got to march on, boys.

never hold back your step for a moment.

never doubt that your courage will grow.

hold your head ever higher and into the fire we go.

let the lightning strike,

let the flash of it shock you.

choke your fears away.

pull as tight as a wire.

let the fever spike.

let the force of it rock you.

we will have our day, sailing into the fire.

someone has to face the valley .

rush in!  we have to rally and win boys.

when the world is saying not to

by god, you know you've got to march on, boys.

never hold back your step for a moment.

look alive!  oh, your courage will grow.

yes, it's higher and higher and into the fire we go.

into fire!

onward, ho!

all the best to you in 2009 whatever fires you face.  may they be those of the refiner who continuously seeks to strengthen and shape us.  be encouraged!  

happy new year!