From the recording REFUGE
One Life to Live was originally written in 1976 as a chorus for the Salvation Army Canadian National Music Camp. Some years later the verses were added, and it was published in 1980 for young people.
I not only wanted this album to pay homage to my parents but to my extended family and my wider family of friends. Stuart and his wife Lorraine went through a traumatic time after the loss of their six-year-old son Richard in 1991. Lorraine was the Singing Company leader at Maidenhead and they regularly sang this song.
Richard had just started attending rehearsals and was looking forward to singing with the choir for the first time in public. Sadly, that didn’t happen. He didn’t survive a major heart operation. At that time Stuart asked if I would sing this song at Richard’s funeral, but I declined, frankly I would have been a wreck, so I’m really pleased that all these years later, I’m able to sing this song and dedicate it to the love and friendship of my dear friends.
Lyrics
CHORUS
One life to live, Oh may I live for thee!
Give me your spirit, and I shall be free,
Free from desire my own way to pursue
Free to obey your will my whole life through.
I live within a world full of confusion,
Where happiness is nothing but illusion,
Attractions that deceive in what can I believe,
I'm tossed about by every wind that blows.
I’ll live when I receive your Holy Spirit,
The promised gift you said I should inherit.
You planned it from the start I give to you my heart,
And now my spirit really can be free.