Peter Hammill
Bravest Face
Here's the edge
This is the moment
When all the fear floods in apace
Time to clear my head
My demeanour emboldened
Of trepidation betray no trace
Time to put on my bravest face

Quite the nine-stone weakling
Who am I trying to kid
That I can carry all before me
As my heroes did?

Unafraid, oh what I'd give
To walk the walk with my head held high
To stare down my demons
But sadly I'm not remotely like
That kind of guy

Bluster and bravado, every human power
I summon up what strength I have
To face what cows me down

Now's the hour

Frozen in the spotlight
Frightfully exposed
In my sad efforts to sustain
A heroic pose
Though I'm scared as hell
Still I know it's only natural
To feel so vulnerable and alone:
In extremis we're on our own
It's time to take my place
And hold my head up
Time to wear with grace
My bravest face