In Calgary, back in eighty-eight, this guy took on the world,
One winter’s day he stood so proud with the Union Flag unfurled,
He trained so hard for years on end, focused on this day,
No other man, no other flag would get in Eddie’s way.
He climbed the steps up to the top, his skis were held up high,
I remember watching on TV, now fly Eddie, fly.
He clipped his skis fast to his feet,
And clambered aboard his final seat,
He shook his head and made his checks,
Pulled his goggles down, his muscles flexed,
He took a breath and a last big push,
And the winter air past his face did rush.
As he sped downwards on that treacherous slope,
Fly, Eagle, fly and we sat and hoped,
He never won a prize for distance or for style,
But at last he landed safely with one hell of a big smile.
I’ve been to Calgary, I’ve driven past the hill,
The thought of Eddie jumping there, thrills me ever still.
High above the pointed trees, way up in the sky,
I can still hear my voice, calling fly Eddie, fly.
He didn’t win a medal, bronze, silver or gold,
But my Eddie’s still a hero, no other was more bold.
He turned up last year on TV, the show called Splash was live,
A brand new challenge ahead of him, come on dive Eddie, dive.
I almost met him once, at the Alrewas annual show,
But I couldn’t get anywhere near him, one hell of a blow.
Surrounded by lots of moms and dads, with their young girls and boys,
I watched from a distance, as he battled through the noise.
For a couple of hours they jostled, not once did they stand in line.
They pushed papers in front of him, sign Eddie, sign.
So he stays in my memory and I will always care,
For my hero who went to the top, where ospreys and eagles dare,
Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, ski jumper, my hero and the master,
Is back these days on solid ground, happy amongst the plaster
Whatever life holds for the man, one thing will stay true,
That day in Calgary my friends, he flew, Eddie flew.