Lyrics A Place to Survive - Van Der Graaf Generator

A Place to Survive

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