(David Roth)
The athletes had come from so many the countries
To run for the gold and the silver and bronze
Many weeks and months in training
All building up to the games
All round the field spectators were gathered
Cheering on all the young women and men
Then the final event of the day was approaching
The last race about to begin
The loudspeakers called out the names of the runners
The one hundred metres the race to be run
And nine young athletes stood there determined
And poised for the sound of the gun
The signal was given, the pistol exploded
And so did the runners on hearing the sound
But the youngest among them stumbled and staggered
And he fell on his knees to the ground
He gave out a cry of frustration and anguish
His dreams and his efforts dashed in the dirt
But as sure as I'm standing here telling the story
Now it's a strange one, but here's what occurred
The eight other athletes stopped in their tracks
The ones who had trained for so long to compete
One by one they turned round and came back to help him
And lifted the lad to his feet
Then all nine runners joined hands and continued
The one hundred metres reduced to a walk
And the banner above that said "Special Olympics"
Could not have been nearer the mark
That's how the race ended, nine gold medals
They came to the finish line holding hands still
And the banner above and nine smiling faces
Said more than these words ever will
Said more than these words ever will
(as sung by Iain MacKintosh)
Susannes Folksong-Notizen English Notes
