Build a mighty edifice to lean against the sky
Carve your name upon the gate in letters ten feet high
Brick, steel, paint and glass, this one thing will last
This alone survive the wrath of the wind's mighty path

Winds howl, flood will rise, earth will open wide
Smoke and thunder fill the skies, there'll be no place to hide
Time is just a shadow on the surface of the sun
Life is just a place to stand until your time is run

Build a mighty edifice to lean against the sky
Are you satisfied with this or do you wish to fly
And having flown will you contented be to die?
Having to yourself been true, or will your heart still sigh?

For bigger things and better things, for greater wealth and fame
Is love a worthy sacrifice at the altar of your name?
Time is just a shadow on the surface of the sun
Life is just a place to stand until your time is run

Far beyond the telling of the tower builder's art
Build yourself a dwelling in a loving human heart
Be kind to all your friends for you know not the hour
Of beginnings nor of ends, you do not have that power

Time is just a shadow on the surface of the sun
Life is just a place to stand until your time is run
A shadow of a shadow on the surface of the sun
Life is just a place to stand until your deal is done