A beautiful vista stretches below

From the top of the hill

It fills me with passion, my heart is a-glow

From the top of the hill

I was once at the bottom, now I stand proud

From the top of the hill

Once lost, I now stand out from the crowd

From the top of the hill

The clatter and clash of life’s unruly din

From the top of the hill

My senses explode as I take it all in

From the top of the hill

This is my castle and here I feel strong

Safe from all who wish me ill

I feel complete in my glorious retreat

Here at the top of the hill

The butchers and fleshers march to their trade

From the top of the hill

But no whetstone can sharpen their blunted blade

From the top of the hill

Scots prisoners held behind deep castle walls

At the top of the hill

‘All you dreamers awake!” the cathedral bell calls

From the top of the hill

And should these walls come tumbling down

I will be there fighting still

I will never retreat into helpless defeat

From the top of the hill

I watch lovers stroll along Lambton Walk

From the top of the hill

Revellers carouse, idle gossipers talk

From the top of the hill

My life has been good, let there be no regret

From the top of the hill

As I gaze from my window and watch the sun set

From the top of the hill

This is my stronghold, where I belong

And should the mood be warm or chill

I'll feel complete as I swim through the heat

From the top of the hill

For, I feel complete from my head to my feet

Here at the top of the hill

You know, I feel complete, for life is so sweet

Here at the top of the hill

(Gary Miller)

© 2018 Whippet Records

Copyright Control MCPS/PRS

This song was commissioned and specially-written for the upcoming project 'The Butcher Baronet', in collaboration with Lone Pine Pictures, about the 17th Century Durham City historical figure John Duck.

Other songs and tunes from this project include : -

'The Beer Token'

'Behind the Wall'

'The Butcher Baronet'

'Ca' Hawkie'

'Cast Out'

'City of Dreams'

'Cloak and Hood'

'Duck's Overture'

'Dunholm'

'Elementary (Turn Turn Again)'

'Flesh and Bone'

'Fortune Weaver'

'Go Away!'

'Golden Journey: Through Air / Over Water / To Earth / On Fire'

'Here's to You, John Duck!'

'Hold on'

'John's Jacobus (Inscription)'

'Merrily Danced The Butcher's Wife'

'My Butcher Boy'

'Now I Dream'

'Old Duck's Main'

'Old Duck's Rant'

'Rolling on (A Hymn for John and Ann)'

'Shiny Thing'

'We Don't Talk About Him 'Round Here'