blow trumpet beat drum

there are times to grow and other times to fade
but in the middle there's a different time
when you're the centre of the big parade

doing your best your creations are well-made
you need not wait for the last bell to chime
there are times to grow and other times to fade

it takes long effort but you make the grade
the mountain's steep but you know how to climb
when you're the centre of the big parade

at times you're wild and then you are quite staid
you know the whole thing's just a pantomime
there are times to grow and other times to fade

not with great fanfare are foundations laid
it takes much effort truly to mix the lime
when you're the centre of the big parade

the sun's so hot you really long for shade
but you can't pause before you're past the prime
there are times to grow and other times to fade
when you're the centre of the big parade