Official Anthem
Take the Flame (3’17”)
By Henry Krieger
Bill Russell, Lyricist
First Performed at Gay Games IV, Unity ‘94, at Wien Stadium, Columbia University and Yankee Stadium, New York City, USA, June, 1994.
With Vocals by Lillias White
Take the Flame
I was lost in dark confusion
And thought I’d have to stay
You had to fight
For your own bit of light
But you held it high to light my way
Now, thanks to you, my friend
I can see this tunnel’s end
And I’ll repeat ‘til my dying day
What you’re no longer here to say
Take the flame and pass it on
Spread your light and share the dawn
Grab your chance before it’s gone
Take the flame and pass it on
You lit up the night with a bold design
You set us ablaze and allowed us to shine
Your love left a spark to build upon
Take the flame and pass it on
Our light will shine
No matter who
Tries to extinguish the flame
This light of mine
Will burn for you
So the world will remember your name
It’s a whole new game
We’ll stake our claim
The past is over and gone
Let’s take the flame
And pass it on
Take the flame and pass it on
Spread the light and share the dawn
Grab this chance before it’s gone
Take the flame and pass it on.
Archival Score and Arrangements available through Federation of Gay Games (also on CD).