I left school nearly 40 years ago, but I remember really enjoying singing the school song. Verse three was a particular favourite, because our night sky regularly glowed bright red above Moss Bay Steelworks and slag heaps dotted the landscape. Verse three had grit!
In fact it felt like a song not just for school but for the town. Today, I can see it is a very effective work, where the local history lines support phrases promoting a positive attitude to living with a noble purpose. It advocates good solid citizenship.
The Original Workington Grammar School Song
(by HD Rawnsley)
As glad as Derwent flowing free
We boys and girls are hand in hand,*
All vowed to seek from early youth
The Sea of Knowledge, Land of Truth.
We are but young, but we shall grow
To be the helpers of our time,
If adding to whate'er we know
We feel that knowing less is crime,*
And strive with heart and soul awake
To work for Cumberland's dear sake.
There, free from slag, by flame refined,
The red-hot streams of metal pour,
Here, warmed with zeal, afire of mind
We smelt for use eternal ore-
The gold of purpose sought and won
In this fair School of Workington.**
Flow Derwent flow, rise Solway rise,
Ye but obey a higher rule,
And we who would be true and wise
Obedient to the law of school*
Must learn on earth, in Heaven above,
That wisdom's noblest law is love.
* These three lines never seemed to work for me. So, as a challenge I have decided to create my own personal alternatives. My mind is asking, 'How can this piece be developed into a Workington song or chant willingly and enthusiastically adopted by crowds at today's sporting events?' We sing the National Anthem, 'Land of Hope and Glory', 'Swing Low' so why not a Wukit'n song?
** The word 'school' could be changed to 'town'
If a local school is thinking of having a school song, this may be an excellent place to start. Or mix it with the Newland's School Song
