Testo John Harrison's Hands

Cold falls the night, Cold rolls the ocean And colder blows the breath of fate That sends the roaring gale. The stars give their light For duty or devotion, But a sailor's heart needs more than prayer When eye and compass fail And more than hope to guide his lonely sail. By sea and land John Harrison's hands Made sure for ever more That sailors could find longitude To bring them safe ashore. Your work was long, Your days were driven. You knew that you could build a clock To marry space and time. But your one great wrong Was never forgiven - For to be better than your betters Was worse than any crime, And their envy was a hill you would not climb. By sea and land John Harrison's hands Made sure for ever more That sailors could find longitude To bring them safe ashore. And the prize of thirty thousand pounds Was more than just a prize. It was dignity and justice Over bitterness and lies - And the longer they denied you, Attacked you and decried you, The more you saw the weakness in their eyes. How many lives, How many talents, Were tainted by the poisoned well Of power from which they drank? But the wind that drives The bold topgallants Was harnessed by a man with Neither privilege nor rank, And the sailor lads, they knew and gave their thanks.