While on a recent trip to NYC, I attended a performance of the Broadway musical KIMBERLY AKIMBO. It was a magical night of live theater; full of heart, hard-truths, love, humanity, and hope. I felt all the big-feels through tears of expanded joy, deep sadness, and great appreciation. (I was an ugly-cry mess, for all the right reasons.) The final song of the show, Great Adventure, underscores the end-of-life road-trip journey of the title character, Kimberly, a sixteen year old girl with a rare genetic disorder. It’s one of those songs that lifts our spirit, invites us to be present in each moment, and enjoy life’s great adventure–because, no one gets a second time around. This song has become one of my go-to anthems for an instant vibe-alignment.
Music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
We’re on a great adventure
Don’t know what we’re gonna find
When leaving what’s behind behind
But you are by my side
At last, a great adventure
Don’t know where the road will bend
Or when we’re gonna reach the end
So just enjoy the ride
Because no one gets a second time around
Sadly
No one gets a second time around
No one gets a second time around
We’re sailing
We are sailing
To a distant shore
To a distant shore, ooh
Don’t know if we’ll catch a breeze or
Encounter stormy seas
But you will be my crew
We’re sailing
We are sailing
To a new world
To a new world, oh
Don’t know how the waves will flow
Or which-a-way the wind will blow
So just enjoy the view
Because no one gets a second time around
Day is dying
We’re headed for the setting sun
We’re crying
Because we’re almost done
Time’s flying
It’s been a lovely run
And so fun, so fun
On a great adventure
Didn’t know the paths we’d take
The sights we’d see
The friends we’d make
With you, my partner-in-crime!
We’ll miss this great adventure
You never know, and nor do I,
When we will have to say goodbye
So just enjoy the time
Because no one gets a second time
No one gets a second time
No one gets a second time around
Doo doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo-oo-oo
Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
