So many tried before and failed, but all had left their mark

So to find a North West passage Sir John Franklin would embark.

The admiralty had set the task and now the way was clear

The challenge was laid down before this man from Lincolnshire.

His life had always been of exploration and the sea

This modest man would sail out to fulfil his destiny

His courage, shown in deeds before, would stand him in good stead

And give him all the strength he'd need for the journey now ahead.

One hundred and twenty nine, in two ships they would go

On a journey that could take three years, or more, no one could know.

All volunteered full knowing that they may not return

Not for fortune or for fame, one goal was their concern.

So in May of 1845 from England's shore they sailed

Across the North Atlantic to a land of ice and gales.

In Baffin Bay they last were seen, off Greenland's Western shore

In search of passage 'round the Pole where none had gone before.

No one can know for certain just what those men endured

The hardships and the suffering, but of this we can be sure.

Today the sea lane's open to the wide Pacific shore

And the name of Sir John Franklin will live on for evermore.

R. Langridge                           back to lyrics                © Langsongs 2001