He was just an ailing boy; seventeen or more
Went away to cotton fields, upon a distant shore.
He was weak, but he was strong within his will and mind.
He was loved by everyone. each colour, creed and kind.
Even the people that were picking the cotton said
Mm. the spirit is strong.
Heard of diamonds in the west; he could see them glow.
Bright and shining in his hand, he knew he had to go.
Jack of spades to king of diamonds, born to lead the land;
Sweet charisma of the soul is the magic of the man.
Even the people that were digging the diamonds said
"Mm, the spirit is strong".
Yes the people that were digging the diamonds said.
"Mm, the spirit is strong".
Then his eyes were turning north, England in his mind.
"Shan't be long to Cairo now" with one railroad line.
There were Impi's making war; to stop him they would kill
But he conquered them with words and the power of his will
Even the people that were making the war said
"Mm, the spirit is strong".
Yes the people that were making the war said
"Mm. the spirit is strong".
When the end was near he said; "Take me to my North";
Laid him in a simple grave in stone of mother earth.
He did not want the Abbey splendour; epitaphs in gold,
Just a lone Matopo hill where one could view the world.
Even the people that visit the hill say,
"Mm, the spirit is strong"
Yes the people that visit the hill say,
"Mm, the spirit is strong"