The School Song

Lives Are In The Making Here

1. Lives are in the making here
Hearts are in the waking here
Mighty undertaking here,
UP! AND ON!
We are arming for the fight
Pressing on with all our might
Pluming wings for higher flight,
UP! AND ON!

Chorus
Up boys! Truest fame
Lies in high endeavour
Play the game! Keep the flame,
Burning brightly ever.

2. Fair before us lies the way
Time for work and time for play,
Fill the measure while we may:
UP! AND ON!
Life and time will not delay
Time is running fast away
Life is Now – today, today!
UP! AND ON!

3. Foes in plenty we shall meet
Hearts courageous scorn defeat,
So we press with eager feet,
UP! AND ON!
Ever onward to the fight
Ever upward to the light
Ever true to God and Right,
UP! AND ON!

4. Looking up by faith, we see
Christ our Saviour on the tree
Lifted up for you and me,
UP! AND ON!
Crowning Christ as Sovereign Lord!
Fighting with the Spirit’s sword
Singing as we cross the ford.
UP! AND ON!

5. Africa will surely rise,
Fail we not in high emprise
Hidden here the secret lies.
UP! AND ON!
Hail Schola Carissima
Laus Deo! Sursum Corda!
Nisi Dominus Frustra.
UP! AND ON!

This poem was adopted as the School Song in 1917 with the permission of the author, Mr. John Oxenham. The last two verses were added in 1922 (also with permission) by the Rt. Rev. A.W. Smith. “SursumCorda,” “Nisi Dominus Frustra” are the mottoes of the Diocese and the School. The music was composed by the late Rev. Canon E. J. Evans, Ex-Principal of the School, and harmonized by Professor Fela Sowande, M.B.E., F.R.C.O., D.Mus, an Old Boy.