Cook's Lament

from Life on The Ocean Wave - Volume 2 of Songs from 'Journeys: Captain James Cook' by Tim Hunter

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Cook’s third and final voyage was to discover the Northwest Passage, a route linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. But during the voyage, the renowned captain became increasingly troubled by the spreading of venereal disease by his men, unnecessary violence with indigenous peoples, insubordination by his crew and thoughts of the lasting consequences of his personal ambition on native cultures. In this song Cook’s self-doubt comes to the fore, although his determination to continue prevails.

lyrics

Cook’s Lament
(Music: Tim Hunter; Lyrics: Frederick McKinnon)

THERE WAS A TIME
WHEN GOALS WERE SET
OBJECTIVES MET
PASSIONS PURE
MY FAME SECURE

DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS TURN TO DUST
TAINTED BY MAN’S DESIRES AND LUST
HOW EASY TO BECOME FORTUNE’S FOOL
THE WINDS OF FATE TURN BITTER AND CRUEL

I NEVER ASKED FOR AN EASY COURSE
I NEVER THOUGHT THERE WOULD BE NO COST
FAIR WEATHER COMES AND GOES
BUT WHY NOW? WHY NOW
DO I FEEL DISPIRITED AND LOST?

AREN’T I THE SAME JAMES COOK?

YET MY SWEET BETH SEEMS SO FAR AWAY
I FEAR FOR MY LITTLE BOYS TODAY
HAVE I BEEN LED BY PURE AMBITION
IN TAKING ON THIS FUTILE MISSION?

DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS TURN TO DUST
TAINTED BY MAN’S DESIRES AND LUST
HOW EASY TO BECOME FORTUNE’S FOOL
THE WINDS OF FATE TURN BITTER AND CRUEL

I MUST RESOLVE TO FIGHT THE TIDE
SECURE PROVIDENCE ON MY SIDE
HAVEN’T I DONE IT TIMES BEFORE?
I MUST SUCCEED JUST ONCE MORE

AREN’T I THE SAME JAMES COOK?

THERE WAS A TIME
WHEN GOALS WERE SET
OBJECTIVES MET
PASSIONS PURE
MY FAME SECURE

AM I NOT THE SAME JAMES COOK?
AM I NOT THE SAME JAMES COOK?

credits

from Life on The Ocean Wave - Volume 2 of Songs from 'Journeys: Captain James Cook', released February 14, 2018
Tim Hunter: Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
Produced by Tim Hunter for Northern Soundscapes.
Recorded at Northern Soundscapes Studios, Knaresborough

Copyright © 2018 Tim Hunter and Frederick McKinnon. All rights reserved. This work is registered with the UK Copyright Service: Registration No: 284700072

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Tim Hunter Knaresborough, UK

'Through his musical albums, Knaresborough composer Tim Hunter helps bring to life the stories and legends of Yorkshire's rich heritage.' Yorkshire Post 1st May 2020.
Tim Hunter is a singer/songwriter/producer. His musical compositions range from pop ballads through to classic rock and have been enjoyed by audiences both in Europe and the United States. ... more

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