9/11/08 - "The Top of the World"

Just about every songwriter I know wrote some kind of "9/11" song... Here's the one that Roseann and I wrote a few days after it happened. Seeing as we had just been to the World Trade Center a year before (picture below), we wrote it from the perspective of "what if it happened to us", and exploring the importance (or not) of priorities in life. I'm sure everyone did a lot of priority analysis at that time, but I realize it's worth remembering and revisiting our priorities as often as possible. Sometimes, we're our own worst critics... we shouldn't feel too bad about doing the things we have to day in and day out to take care of our families... But realizing that time with our loved ones is more valuable than money is what this is about. It's a tough balancing act, though.

Anyway, it's a rough demo, but you can hear and download "The Top of the World" for free at this page: http://www.erichermanmusic.com/top.html



"The Top of the World"
from Dancing on a Cloud
(c) 2001 Eric and Roseann Endres

Now I'm on my way
Things are looking up today
Finally where I want to be
A feeling of security

I'm here in the cradle of the sky
And the world below rushing by

Then I feel the earth shaking,
The boughs breaking
Everything I am is taken down
And I never had time to call

From the top of the world,
It's a long way to fall

I don't regret the life I had
Grateful for the good and bad
But there was more I could have done
To give my love to everyone

And now, there's nothing I can do
But wish that I'd had more time with you

Instead of all the deadlines,
Overtime
Needless worries on my mind
What did I gain from it all?

From the top of the world,
It's a long way to fall
From the top of the world,
It's a long way to fall

Gain the world, lose your soul
Give your love, gain it all
Gain the world, lose your soul
Give your love, gain it all

And now, it's clear to me
Where your treasure is, your heart will be

You can live in wealth and stardom,
Build a kingdom
Seek for riches over wisdom
But where will your heart be if you lose it all?

From the top of the world,
It's a long way to fall
From the top of the world,
It's a long way to fall
From the top of the world,
It's a long way to fall

Give your love. Live for love.