Story Line

[Verse 1]
Sing a song of children playing in a ring
Voices held together by the song they sing
Big ones hold the small ones, fingers intertwined
No one leads the circle, no one lags behind
Slowly going nowhere, no prize to win
Round and round the circle, end where you begin

[Verse 2]
Like a split of springtime
Walter Sans remembers
A golden brimstone butterfly alighting on his head
Circle of children stopped the dancing, looked in wonder
He’ll have a bright future his father said
Hey little birthday boy, you’re journey’s begun

[Verse 3]
Sing a song of children, forming in a line
I’m the king of the castle, you’re the dirty swine
Going to run the fastest, never going to stop
Race you up the mountain, race you to the top
First one gets the gold cup, the last a wooden spoon
Race you up the mountain, race you to the moon

[Verse 4]
Like a summer snapshot
Walter Sans remembers
In butterfly time, and gall receiving his reward
First class with honors, and the eyes that watched with envy
Brilliant career ahead, future assured
All systems go my lad, your first battle’s won

[Verse 5]
Sing a song of children, sitting in a line
You get on with your work, I'll get on with mine
If you know the answer, don't give it away
You might receive a star prize to put up on display
Don’t let others copy, cheating is a sin
Sing a song of children, learning how to win

[Verse 6]
A spark flies in the evening
Walter Sans remembers
Announcing to the congress how his life’s work was complete
A microcomputer to control the flight of butterflies
Savored the joy of his rival’s defeat
The Nobel prize is yours Sir Walter, you’re number one

[Verse 7]
Sing a song of children, marching in a line
Belts and boots and buttons polished till they shine
When you hear the order, fall in double quick
Smarters get the medals, slackers get the stick
Rifles at the ready, last one’s dead
Sing a song of children, marching straight ahead

[Verse 8]
Walter Sans is sinking
Memories are fading
Feels a black butterfly alighting in his head
Opens his eyes as if to see into the distance
“Heaven straight on” were the last words he said
Here lies Sir Walter Sans, now his race is run

[Verse 9]
Round and round the circle, end where you begin
Slowly going nowhere, no prize to win
No one leads the circle, no one lags behind
Big ones hold the small ones, fingers intertwined
Voices held together by the song they sing
Just a song for children playing in a ring