[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF MR. JOE DARION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2001

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a man 
who inspired the American people with beautiful song, Mr. Joe Darion, 
lyricist of ``Man of La Mancha.''
  Born in New York City in 1911, Mr. Darion worked throughout his life 
in every genre of music from popular songs to opera. Mr. Darion 
attended City College before serving his nation in World War II. In the 
early 1950's he had three Top-10 hits; the Patti Page ballad ``Changing 
Partners'', the Teresa Brewer novelty ``Ricochet'', and Red Buttons' 
comedy hit ``The Ho Ho Song''.
  Mr. Joe Darion is most known for his beautiful lyrics of ``The 
Impossible Dream,'' which quickly became one of the most beloved pop 
anthems of our time. ``Man of La Mancha'' opened in New York in 1956 
and ran for an incredible 2,328 performances. In recognition of his 
heart-warming lyrics, Mr. Darion was rewarded a Tony Award for best 
score.
  ``The Impossible Dream'' has affected thousands of people, young and 
old. His lyrics have inspired and touched countless Americans. His 
words dive deep into the human soul and character. His words,

     ``To dream the impossible dream,
     To fight the unbeatable foe, to bear with unbearable sorrow,
     To run where the brave dare not go.
     To right the unrightable wrong,
     To love pure and chaste from afar,
     To try when your arms are too weary,
     To reach the unreachable star. This is my quest,
     To follow that star----
     No matter how hopeless, no matter how far.
     To fight for the right
     Without question or pause,
     To be willing to march into hell
     For a heavenly cause. And I know if I'll only be true
     To this glorious quest
     That my heart will be peaceful and calm
     When I'm laid to my rest. And the world will be better for 
         this,
     That one man scorned and covered with scars still strove with 
         his last ounce of courage.
     To reach the unreachable stars.''

  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the memory of a man who 
touched millions of Americans with his inspiring lyrics and, enabled 
countless people everywhere to ``Dream the Impossible Dream'', Mr. Joe 
Darion.




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