Such an inspiring set of lyrics from the huge wellspring that is Si Khan. As a teenager Sid first heard it by sung by Denny Bartley while working at a Norfolk folk club and though he’s been singing this song for years we never tire of the anthemic chorus.
What You Do With What You've Got
Oh you must know someone like him, he was tall and strong and lean.
Body like a greyhound and a mind so sharp and keen
But his heart grew like a laurel, all twisted 'round itself
Till almost everything he did brought pain to someone else.
Chorus (After every verse)
It's not just what you're born with, it's what you choose to bare
Not how big your share is ,it's how much you can share
It's not the fights you dream of, it's those you've really fough
Not what you've been given, it's what you do with what you've got
And what's the good of two strong legs if you only run away?
What good is the finest voice if you've nothing good to say?
What good are strength and muscle if you only push and shove?
What's the use of two good ears if you can't hear those you love?
Between those who use their neighbours and those who use the cane
Those in constant power and those in constant pain
Between those who run to evil and those who cannot run
Which ones are the cripples and which ons touch the sun?
Si Kahn