I don't think Pink Floyd have written a truer more appropriate line than this one from one of my favourite tracks, Time, a part of arguably their best album, Dark Side of The Moon.
"Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way.."
Many-a-stories come to mind when I think about it that corroborate the band's visionary, almost prophetic words.
Take English football for example. It has been years since an English national side progressed beyond the quarter-finals of a major tournament. The way they are going about it, it may be many years before they do. But the nameless faceless English fan is always there sporting the Cross of St. George , holding on to a tall beer, egging on his heroes, at the start of each tournament. With their FA not helping matters by choosing the stupidest coach possible who will play players out of position, axe those not toeing the line and may even carry excess baggage in the form of favourites, its hard to see how the fan finds the tenacity to 'hang on'!
Another relevant tale, a folklore no less would be about an enigma, even an oddity today. Tim Henman has carried the hopes of the English contingent on his unique serve-and-volley shoulders for almost a decade now. And year in year out, has managed to dash them to high hell and beyond; spectacularly no less! He is 32 now, fast approaching his use by date. He hasn't won Wimbledon. His best result is still the semi finals. 'Henman Hill' has already acquired a new title, 'Murray Mountain'. I don't know how long can he go on. There will always be English prospects at Wimbledon; wildcards assure that (albeit dubiously!). And there will be Tim. For couple of years at least. I do know this, as long as Tim keeps turning up in the final week of June, Center Court will always be welcoming. His rankings may dip but he will get a wildcard if he wants, at least at the hallowed turf of Wimbledon. For maybe a few years more, there will be afternoons in the first week at least, when 'Henman Hill' will be 'Henman Hill'.
"Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way.."
Many-a-stories come to mind when I think about it that corroborate the band's visionary, almost prophetic words.
Take English football for example. It has been years since an English national side progressed beyond the quarter-finals of a major tournament. The way they are going about it, it may be many years before they do. But the nameless faceless English fan is always there sporting the Cross of St. George , holding on to a tall beer, egging on his heroes, at the start of each tournament. With their FA not helping matters by choosing the stupidest coach possible who will play players out of position, axe those not toeing the line and may even carry excess baggage in the form of favourites, its hard to see how the fan finds the tenacity to 'hang on'!
Another relevant tale, a folklore no less would be about an enigma, even an oddity today. Tim Henman has carried the hopes of the English contingent on his unique serve-and-volley shoulders for almost a decade now. And year in year out, has managed to dash them to high hell and beyond; spectacularly no less! He is 32 now, fast approaching his use by date. He hasn't won Wimbledon. His best result is still the semi finals. 'Henman Hill' has already acquired a new title, 'Murray Mountain'. I don't know how long can he go on. There will always be English prospects at Wimbledon; wildcards assure that (albeit dubiously!). And there will be Tim. For couple of years at least. I do know this, as long as Tim keeps turning up in the final week of June, Center Court will always be welcoming. His rankings may dip but he will get a wildcard if he wants, at least at the hallowed turf of Wimbledon. For maybe a few years more, there will be afternoons in the first week at least, when 'Henman Hill' will be 'Henman Hill'.
PS: Overheard during a Venus Williams - Maria Sharapova quarter final this year(Tim was knocked out in the second round) in a break between points.. First voice: 'Go Venus!'
Second voice: 'Go Maria!'
Third voice: 'Go Tim!'
I rest my case.. :)
PS 2: About Dark Side.. being the best album, well probably third best is more apt, after Wish You Were Here and Meddle. (Opinions, opinions!)
Second voice: 'Go Maria!'
Third voice: 'Go Tim!'
I rest my case.. :)
PS 2: About Dark Side.. being the best album, well probably third best is more apt, after Wish You Were Here and Meddle. (Opinions, opinions!)
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