'The Impossible Dream' (The Quest) -- A Musical Tribute

In remembrance of Mr John, I dedicate this lovely rendition of 'The Impossible Dream' performed by baritone extraordinaire Brian Stokes Mitchell, accompanied by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Mr John,

I can think of no other song that better exemplifies your character, or the way that you lived your life.

To my ears, your wonderfully rich and resonant bass voice was every bit as powerful and distinctive as Mr. Mitchell's beautiful baritone voice.  And it was a voice befitting a "Gentle Giant" who stood 6 feet 7 inches tall, even when the shoulders began to stoop ever so slightly "with old age." 

I loved and admired so many of "your ways"--not least of which was that you appeared to feel no embarrassment when on occasion during a thunderstorm, your eyes would almost imperceptibly moisten with tears as you remembered and spoke fondly of the family dog, 'Lucky,' who had always been terrified of storms.

Your love for all living creatures, especially dogs, was one of the greatest gifts that you imparted to those around you--and I thank you for it.

You live now, and forevermore in our hearts, Daddy.

Man of La Mancha - The Impossible Dream (The Quest) Lyrics

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 lie 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 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 lie 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 star

[Video Credit:  'The Impossible Dream'-Brian Stokes Mitchell, BestArts-Music, YouTube, 03:46]