Pretoria Boys High School - The School Songs and Prayer

The School Songs and Prayer

The official school song, 'Tis Here We Learn To Live, was written in the 1930s by two Old Boys (the composer of the music, Dr George Findlay, was a prominent Pretoria dermatologist). However, the School later adopted Forty Years On (originally the School song of Harrow School.) It is this song that is sung at all School Valedictions. The official school song was relegated to obscurity until it was revived as the School's rugby anthem.

'Tis Here We Learn To Live
We are entering life together,
Free of sorrow, and of care,
With a youthful fire and vigour,
Naught can e'er our hope impair.
Though we know indeed but little
Of the life we have to dare,
'Tis here we learn to live;
'Tis here we learn to live.

Forty Years On
Forty years on, when afar and asunder
Parted are those who are singing today,
When you look back and forgetfully wonder
What you were like in your work and your play.
Then, it may be, it will often come o'er you,
Glimpses of notes like the catch of a song,
Visions of boyhood shall float them before you,
Echoes of dreamland shall bear them along.
Follow up, follow up, follow up, follow up, follow up!
Till the fields ring again and again,
With the tramp of the thirty good men -
Follow up!
Follow up!

The School Prayer
O Lord, God of Truth, Whom to know is everlasting life, and to serve is perfect freedom, grant that we may draw near to Thee in thought, word and deed. Inspire us with the love of Thy creatures and Thy laws, that in all humility and teachableness, with patience and understanding, by honest and earnest labour, we may seek after knowledge as a blessing that cometh from Thee.
Whether it be our part to teach or learn, to rule or obey, make us feel Thy presence in our several duties, filling us with reverence for the beauty and wonder of Thy universe, and pouring on us a spirit of justice, gentleness, and mutual goodwill.
Thus by Thy grace, may we use this house of learning, that we may prepare our powers of body, mind and spirit, to advance the good of man and the Glory of God.
Amen.