Story Behind The Song
The initial idea was to base the lyrics around James Braddock, the boxer who lived through America's Great Depression and went on to win the world heavyweight championship in 1935. However, a greater theme that I had in mind, was to explore a monologue from 'As You Like It' written by William Shakespeare:
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts.
Song Description
The legendary boxer James Braddock is engaging in a championship fight at Madison Square Gardens, New York.
The business of fighting is the part that these two men must play in life and it is their entrance upon this earthly stage. I wanted to then ask the question: How are people remembered after their death? Are they remembered for their success, failure or perhaps for their ability to endure the punishment of the fight, whether it be as a champion boxer or simply a person struggling to get by in life.
'We all will die. We're here to live'- speaks for itself. The important belief that I have is that no matter what, 'we are all 'learning to love and forgive'. The lyrics touch touch on the theme of reincarnation or the possibility of a soul living many lives.
The fighter moves skilfully and can endure terrible pain. His ability to do so and remain in the fight is admirable and though life can be hard, the ability to endure hardship is something to aspire to. In a nutshell, 'ain't that the secret too life?'
The final verse, is the same as the first: a fighter doing his best to play out his role in life. I believe that it is applicable to everyone, no matter what their status/entrance may be.
| Song Length |
2:57 |
Genre |
Pop - Easy Listening, New Age - General |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Relaxed, Composed |
Subject |
Athlete, Sports, Pride |
| Similar Artists |
Josh Ritter, Alison Krauss |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
The lights in the garden shine down from above.
They stand toe to toe, raising their gloves.
What will define how the world will recall?
The thrill of the fight or the bitter fall?
We all will die. We're here to live.
We are learning to love and forgive.
The skill of their movement, endurance of pain.
The fighter recoils but still remains.
Well 'ain't that the secret of life,
No matter what stands in our way.
No matter what darkness we face,
We're part of this earthly affray.
We all will die. We're here to live.
We are learning to love and forgive
The lights in the garden shine down from above.
They stand toe to toe, raising their gloves.