IT WILL BE ALL RIGHT
The goatee-bearded giant Over 6” tall and strong
Like Buffalo Bill was stepping out From a book or from a song
Held out a knarled and knotted hand As he stepped down from the train
And I handed him a newspaper In the lashing Durham rain
As he looked at me through wise grey eyes Great dignity shone there
From a regal countenance Framed by locks of mossy hair
Then reaching into pockets deep In a voice that held great range
His words came soft and slow “That’s alright lad, keep the change”
He spread his branches far and wide Like a mighty tree
That shelters its community Beneath its canopy
And with a heart of oak He planted all that he knew
And from his deep-set roots Many precious acorns grew
I heard he’d been a brawler Of wandering gypsy stock
An ill-educated drunkard Built out of solid rock
Until he clawed his way up from the rough Like an eagle taking flight
He said “Lads, it’s knowledge that we need” Knowing it would be all right
His education came from The University of Life
In the pits, the States, South Africa He found that all workers’ strife
Was just the same the whole world 'round And from gaining this insight
‘Long Pete’ resolved to serve his class Saying, “It will be all right”
He gave all to serve his people Asking nothing in return
It’s a very simple lesson From which we all could learn
With an endless reservoir of strength He laboured day and night
For the betterment of his people Saying “it will be all right”
The last time that I saw him His library was complete
And his back still fit the burden Of each task he chose to meet
To this visionary scholar I said “please don’t give up the fight”
“Don’t worry lad”, he replied “It will be all right”
And though Peter Lee is gone Others carry forth his flame
Fighting deprivation In the town that bears his name
And I sense his spirit comforting Throughout the darkening night
Each struggling soul without a voice Saying “it will be all right”
He spread his great hands far and wide Like a mighty tree
To shelter his community Beneath his canopy
And with a heart of oak He planted everything he knew
And from his deep-formed roots Many precious acorns grew
But of all his worth and all his deeds And for all his towering might
I still hear those simple words “It will be all right”
And I know it will be all right
(Gary Miller) ©2019 Whippet Records Copyright Control MCPS/PRS