John Harrisons Hands

G A7 D Cold blows the wind G A D Colder runs the ocean D A D And colder still the breath of fate Em A D That sends the roaring gale. G A D The stars give their light G A Bm For duty or devotion, G A G But a sailor's heart needs more than prayer D Em G When eye and compass fail D A D A G And more than hope to guide his lonely sail. A D G D By sea and land John Harrison's hands Em D G Made sure for ever more A D G D That sailors could find longitude A D To bring them safe ashore. G A7 D Your work was long, G A D Your days were driven. D A D You knew that you could build a clock Em A D To marry space and time. G A D But your one great wrong G A Bm Was never forgiven - G A G For to be better than your betters D Em G Was worse than any crime, D A D A And their envy was a hill you would not climb. A D G D By sea and land John Harrison's hands Em D G Made sure for ever more A D G D That sailors could find longitude A D To bring them safe ashore. A G D And the prize of thirty thousand pounds G D Was more than just a prize. A Bm It was dignity and justice G A Over bitterness and lies - D G And the longer they denied you, D Attacked you and decried you, G D A The more you saw the weakness in their eyes. D How many lives, G D How many talents, A G D Were tainted by that poisoned well Em D A Of envy from which they drank? G D But the wind that drives G A Bm And fills the bold topgallants D A D Was harnessed by a man with Em D G Neither privilege nor rank, D A G But we sailor lads, we knew and we gave our thanks. A D G D By sea and land John Harrison's hands Em D G Made sure for ever more A D G D That sailors could find longitude A D To bring them safe ashore.