Story Behind The Song

I met Nik's legendary Great Grandfather, Karl Wallenda in June of 1976 when he was directing the Sarasota High School Admirals Jazz Stage Band. We were playing at the Shriner's auditorium that afternoon and I was conducting at the tender age of 17. Our music teacher Andy Wright named me music director in his absence. After finishing one of the band's standards, I pivoted to face the audience. Then I noticed Karl Wallenda, this recognizable yet diminutive man approach me from across the dance floor. I knew instantly who he was and I thought to myself, Oh my, Karl Wallenda is approaching me! In a thick German accent Karl said, I would like to shake your hand for the beautiful music you are making! I quickly summoned my composure and blurted out, you are Karl Wallenda! I should be shaking YOUR hand! And so I did. It was an experience I will never forget. Nik Wallenda is a neighbor of mine and such a nice man. When I presented him a rough draft of the song the other day, he was so gracious. Nik said, I will be listening to the CD in my car on the way to training at Benderson Park. We are both men on wires, the vast difference is that my wires are contained within a piano and perhaps I might stub my finger, not risk my life!

Song Description

I was inspired by Nik's prayerful walk over Niagra Falls that showed his faith so unabashedly on live network television. It astounded me in these times of political correctness to watch Nik talk to God throughout the treacherous crossing. It was so refreshing that it made me smile. I think it is a genuine feat that deserves an ode to his bold success both in crossing the falls and making a statement about his belief to the world. I used Wallenda's motto: Never Give Up, Never Give In, for inspiration and the song's musical hook and finished the homespun song and video in three days at my studio. This was one of those songs that just flew out of my soul.

Lyrics

MAN ON A WIRE © 2013 by Robert J. Sartore
F / Bb C11 /
If Karl was right here today you know he would be proud
F F/A / Bb C11 /
His greatgrandson is walking tall - way above the clouds
C/E F // 2/4 Gm11 //4/4 Bb /
From circus feats to mountain peaks, boy it's steady as I go . . .
Ami7 Dmi7 Ami7 //2/4 Gm7 C7 //4/4 F /
And so I walk this high wire 'cause it's the only life I know . . .

F F/A / Bb C11 /
Cause I'm a man on a wire, living step by step
F F/A Bb C11
These dreams can take me higher than any place I've been
C/E F // 2/4 Bb //4/4 Gm11 /
There's power in believing, and there's courage in my bones . . .
Ami7 Dmi7 Ami7 //2/4 Gm7 C7 //4/4 F /
There's a faith that holds me up here, and it's like nothing else I've known.

(g-a) Bb Gmi7 / C F /
And I'll never give up, never give in, gonna make it to the other side,
(g-a) Bb Gmi7 / C F /
Yes I'll never give up, never give in, yeah this is my time to shine,
(g-a) Bb Gmi7 //2/4 Ami A/C# //4/4 Dm /
So I'll never give up, never give in, I'm walkin' for my life . . .
Gm7 Am7 //2/4 Bb //4/4 C11 /
With the love of God to hold me up, I can walk here ev'rytime.

F F/A / Bb C11 /
You know I'm merely mortal, Lord Jesus be my guide,
With my family beside me, it makes everything all right
C/E F // 2/4 Bb //4/4 Gm11 /
With all this love to hold me, I must be@ blessed by God above . . .
Ami7 Dmi7 Ami7 //2/4 Gm7 C7 //4/4 F (g-a) /
Yeah I can walk this wire, 'cause I am walkin' in His love. And I'll

(g-a) Bb Gmi7 / C/E F /
And I'll never give up, never give in, gonna make it to the other side,
(g-a) Bb Gmi7 / C/E F /
Yes I'll never give up, and never give in, yeah this is my time to shine,
(g-a) Bb Gmi7 / Ami A/C# Dm /C /
So I'll never give up, never give in, I'm walkin' for my life.
Gm7 Am7 / Bb C11 /
With the love of God to hold me up, I can walk here ev'rytime.

F / Bb C11 / F /
If Karl was right here today you know he would be proud

Playlist Creator	Playlist Name	Date Added
Diana Rasmussen	Inspiration	11/21/2014
Frank Radice	My Top Songs	10/27/2014