The story of Don Quixote is over 500 years old now. It is still known to this day because it tells a story of pure principle. It is something that is admired deeply in the human psyche. It is an example of aspiration. Yes, the example is also used derisively at times. But anyone whose heart does not beat a bit harder during this song has had something human inside of them die.
What does not live on, what is not immortal, what does not lift the human spirit, is the message of not bothering to try. Would you know how to hum this melody in 2016 if in 1964 it had been released with these lyrics?
To dream ... the pedestrian dream ...
To fight ... only beatable foes ...
To bear ... water for Wall Street ...
To run ... how focus groups say so ...
To right ... the Overton Window ...
To love ... the long chase for the thone ...
To try ... to win on the minimum ...
To reach ... this far and no more ...
This is my quest, I’ll play it safely ...
No matter the issue, no pledge shall go far ...
I’ll triangulate right, without question or pause ...
No way in Hell I walk on a ledge, for some Heavenly cause ...
And I know I afford not be true, in this glorious quest,
For my heart will lie peaceful and calm,
with Bible ‘neath palm ...
And the world will be better for this:
A woman, who once embraced scars,
Gave up, so her last grasp for office,
Might reach ... DC’s Capitol stair ...
Take what you will.