Going Up

[bnewman]

A mystical journey to the top of the Mountain, based on a dream.

lyrics and music by Benjamin Newman

listen to this song

/ A-4- -G(A) (2x) / / / A-4- A7A! A7A! / A G A ... /

 

Once upon a time I dreamed I saw a mountain tall,

And a voice inside my mind said "That's the highest one of all".

So I left my home behind me and set out across the sea,

'Cause I could hear that mighty mountain king beckoning,

As if the peak itself were calling out to me.

 

It's a long way to the base of the mountain, but further to the peak;

Fill up your canteen at the fountain, but mind the thing you seek:

If you only thirst for wisdom, you can stop right here to fill your cup,

But if you need to see the view from the top — don't stop! —

'Cause you'll only be fulfilled by going up!

 

I had climbed about a mile when the path gave out upon a ledge,

And raven, with a smile, said: "Step a little closer to the edge!

I've seen the slopes above you — you're not gonna make it in those shoes!

So if you really have to go, don't try! — just fly! —

You only have your groundedness, earthboundedness to lose!"

 

I don't remember how I made it -- it was all a little blurred:

Was I soaring on my knees or was I crawling like a bird?

Did I know what I was doing as I knelt to kiss the skies?

I recall there was a burst of light -- so bright! --

That's when I opened up my opened up my eyes.