Singing the Living Tradition ‎#143

143. Not in Vain the Distance Beacons

1 Not in vain the distance beacons.
Forward, forward let us range.
Let the great world spin forever
down the ringing grooves of change;
through the shadow of the globe
we sweep ahead to heights sublime,
we, the heirs of all the ages,
in the foremost files of time.

2 Oh, we see the crescent promise
of that spirit has not set;
ancient founts of inspiration
well through all our fancies yet;
and we doubt not through the ages
one increasing purpose runs,
and the thoughts of all are widened
with the process of the suns.

3 Yea, we dip into the future,
far as human eye can see,
see the vision of the world,
and all the wonder that shall be,
hear the war-drum throb no longer,
see the battle flags all furled,
in the parliament of freedom,
federation of the world.

Text Information

• First Line: Not in vain the distance beacons
• Title: Not in Vain the Distance Beacons
• Author: Alfred Lord Tennyson, 1809-1892
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Words and Deeds of Prophetic Women and Men: In Time To Come; Peace and War; World Community

Tune Information

• Name: HYMN TO JOY
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven, 1770-1827
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.D.
• Key: F Major or modal