A Place to Survive - Van Der Graaf Generator

It’s easy to say, when you’re so down

That everything’s pointless;

Your eyes burn, your ears howl

Your limbs are disjointed

Barren fields, the barren earth

Never more will it flower

Rub your face and your hands in the dirt:

Now is the hour!

So stand straight, looking over your shoulder;

Walk on, though you fear to arrive;

Don’t wait till you know that it’s over

Be strong — it’s your place to survive

While the holocaust rages around you

Be the eye of the storm;

Though the extent of disaster astounds you

Forearmed is forewarned

You may have passed time in happier ways

But there are other mountains to climb:

You’ve never lived as you’re living today —

Now is the time!

Stand straight, though your back breaks from trying

Walk on — even now you must strive

Don’t wait — while you’re waiting, you’re dying;

Be strong, it’s your place to survive

The universe is doubtless

Unfolding just exactly as it should

And these dreams of remorse or foreboding

Just won’t do you any good

The joy, the passion, possessions you own

The bitterness and the pain

The end of everything you’ve ever known…

All these are ordained

Stand straight looking into the future

Walk on — we’ve each got our own lives

Don’t wait for a guru or tutor

Be strong — it’s your place to survive

Stand straight, looking over your shoulder

Walk on: though it hurts, you’re alive

Don’t wait… if you wait it’s all over;

Be strong — it’s your right to survive