The Scarlet Pimpernel is my favourite musical. Yes, I am the type of person who has a favourite musical. I admit it. I love musical theatre. It's entertaining and fun. Is the Scarlet Pimpernel the best musical ever? No. Are there things wrong with it? Yes. Is it intense, funny, and musically pleasant? Also, yes.
I'm a big fan of everything to do with The Scarlet Pimpernel, when it comes down to it. I've read every one of Baroness Orczy's books that is still in print... and even hunted through antique bookstores to find a few that are no longer. I have some lovely rare book copies of a few of the short story collections. I also have a gorgeous leather-bound copy of the original that was a gift from my wonderful Danny. He knows me well. I like all of the movies, all of the TV versions... the story is just great.
For those of you who are unfamiliar, The Scarlet Pimpernel centers around Marguerite and Percival Blakeney, English gentry during the French revolution. Marguerite is originally from Paris, where she grew up rather poor, and became an actress. Then, she married Sir Percy, with whom she became increasingly distant. Why? Because he goes to France every couple of days to save aristocrats from the terrible slice of the guillotine. He is a superhero, guys, basically. Along with his League, they save the lives of dozens of people throughout the books. Badass.
In the musical, there is this song titled "Into the Fire". It's intense, to the point that it borders on corny. The lyrics are pretty fantastic out of context though, and exemplify how I hope to live my life. Check 'em out.
Plus, I added pop culture reference pictures. What more can you want?
Plus, I added pop culture reference pictures. What more can you want?
David walked into the valley
With a stone clutched in his hand
He was only a boy
But he knew someone must take a stand
There will always be a valley
Always mountains one must scale
There will always be perilous waters
Which someone must sail
Into valleys, into waters
Into jungles, into hell
Let us ride, let us ride home again with a story to tell
Into darkness, into danger
Into storms that rip the night
Don't give in, but give up
But give thanks for the glorious fight
You can tremble, you can fear it
But keep your fighting spirit alive boys
Let the shiver of it sting you
Fling into battle, spring to your feet boys
Never hold back your step for a moment
Never doubt that your courage will grow
Hold your head even higher and into the fire we go
Are there mountains that surround us?
Are there walls that block the way?
Knock 'em down, strip 'em back boys
And forward and into the fray
Into terror, into valour
Charge ahead, no, never turn
Yes, it's into the fire we fly
And the devil will burn
Someone has to face the valley
Rush in, we have to rally and win boys
When the world is saying not to
By God, you know you've got to march on, boys
Never hold back your step for a moment
Never doubt that your courage will grow
Hold your head ever higher and into the fire we go
With a stone clutched in his hand
He was only a boy
But he knew someone must take a stand
There will always be a valley
Always mountains one must scale
There will always be perilous waters
Which someone must sail
Into valleys, into waters
Into jungles, into hell
Let us ride, let us ride home again with a story to tell
Into darkness, into danger
Into storms that rip the night
Don't give in, but give up
But give thanks for the glorious fight
But keep your fighting spirit alive boys
Let the shiver of it sting you
Fling into battle, spring to your feet boys
Never hold back your step for a moment
Never doubt that your courage will grow
Hold your head even higher and into the fire we go
Are there mountains that surround us?
Are there walls that block the way?
Knock 'em down, strip 'em back boys
And forward and into the fray
Into terror, into valour
Charge ahead, no, never turn
Yes, it's into the fire we fly
And the devil will burn
Someone has to face the valley
Rush in, we have to rally and win boys
When the world is saying not to
By God, you know you've got to march on, boys
Never hold back your step for a moment
Never doubt that your courage will grow
Hold your head ever higher and into the fire we go
Let the lightning strike
Let the flash of it shock you
Choke your fears away
Pull as tight as a wire
Let the fever spike
Let the force of it rock you
We will have our day, sailing into the fire
Someone has to face the valley
Rush in! We have to rally and win boys
When the world is saying not to
By God, you know you've got to march on, boys
Never hold back your step for a moment
Look alive! Oh, your courage will grow
Yes, it's higher and higher and into the fire we go
Into fire!
Onward, ho!
