Original Song: Sennichi Kaihogyo

Month 70 of the original song a month project. Sennichi Kaihogyo was a set of lyrics that emerged from researching mad ultra-distance running. The lyrics tell the tale and it truly is pretty crazy but awesome. As is now usual in the songwriting progress, I gave the rough form to my Magnificent Compañeros partner Will and he has added some great touches. The recorded version here may well change over time but it’s nice to have it locked away.

SENNICHI KAIHOGYO
© 2017 Chuck Smeeton

F
It was because of the way he ran
G7
Further than anyone in Japan
Bb
Right to the edge of death
F
Mortality’s brink within a breath

Three full months, for 20 hours straight
Sennichi’s flight with fate
100 miles every day
The body moves, the mind does pray

(Chorus)
Dm
Repeated every day and night
Gm
Candles, rice, prayers to recite
Bb
The cord of death and a knife
C
Each day seen as a single life

Every morning born anew
Discard all that you’ve been through
Not allowed to stop or rest
The ultimate endurance test

Monastic robes and a long curled hat
A simple skin to face the combat
Wearing slippers made of straw
No protection from your fatal flaw

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
King of the marathon monk
They call him superman
Complete or die the only choice
Within this holy clan

(Chorus)

Should the end arrive too soon
You thought you were from pain immune
Agony tore your heart apart
A price too high, no choice but to depart

(Chorus)

About the original songs
In January 2012 I commenced a goal of trying to write and record at least one song from scratch each month – sometimes it comes easily, sometimes it’s a real challenge, but I love the discipline it creates. I managed to complete the year, but it was so much fun that I’ve decided to keep it rolling for as long as I can.