This song was inspired by the visit to Newcastle in 1967 by Martin Luther King to receive his honorary doctorate from the University.
WORDS – KEITH AND JOHN GREGSON– TUNE KEITH GREGSON (PRS/MU) 2017
Teenage student memories – it’s a case of ebb and flow
As the 60s fade into a fog, some stay while others go
Of a head that was full of Beatles – of a gut that was full of ‘broon’
Of a well-remembered autumn day when the King came to the Toon
HE SAID HE WAS PROUD TO BE HERE
HE SAID THAT HE’D BE BACK SOON
BUT WHO WAS TO KNOW WHAT LAY IN STORE
WHEN THE KING CAME TO THE TOON
I’d a heart that was full of football – hippy happy without a care
Then what a change for, to quote Max Boyce, that November ‘I was there’
He didn’t need to speak out – he could take his scroll and go
Yet he spoke for people ‘of goodwill’ on that great day long ago – CH
A single day in England – five months and he was gone
Fifty years roll swiftly by and the struggle still goes on
For a ‘symphony of brotherhood’ – for a ‘top of the mountain dream’
Where ‘righteousness and justice’ flow down ‘like a mighty stream’ –CH
With his ‘symphony of brotherhood’ – with his ‘top of the mountain dream’
Where ‘righteousness and justice’ flow down ‘like a mighty stream’
I’d a heart that was full of football – hippy happy without a care
But what a change, o lucky man,
On that great day
‘I was there’
Unfortunately a recording of the song cannot be loaded up. If you would like a copy please email me at
sean.creighton1947@btinternet.com
2017 saw commemoration of King’s visit. See
Keith Gregson is a member of North East Labour History Society, which has made the lyrics and recording available.
