A simple love song, set against an epic backdrop, about the night I proposed to my wife at the top of the World Trade Center, and what has happened since...
I am a songwriter dedicated to spreading the good news about the love and mercy of my Savior, Jesus Christ.
Story behind the song
I proposed to my wife at the restaurant at the top of the World Trade Center. On 9/11, I watched in horror from my office in Jersey City (right across the river) as the towers burned and collapsed. People around me screamed and cried knowing their loved ones were there.
Time has passed and, just as those towers crumbled, so did much of our marriage. HOWEVER, God is a God of hope and renewal...
About a year ago, God placed a song in my heart. It is a simple song, set against an epic backdrop, about the night we were engaged and what has happened since. I presented it to her as a gift for our 11th anniversary.
If you knew the serious trouble in which our marriage has been, you would know this is God's work: SHE LOVES THE SONG! Tears came to our eyes and God has moved His strong Hand on our behalf once again! My prayers have been generously answered in regard to this song.
My wife wants the song to be used to help the 9/11 victims, especially the children. God will use this song in His perfect timing. I pray that you enjoy it.
Lyrics
"To the Top of the World" by Hank Stansfield
Hiding a ring deep in my pocket
I asked for a dinner date, I said we would find a place
But, secretly, I’d made reservations
A place where the world could see, I’d ask you to marry me
We took a ride up a hundred stories to the sky
Choppers flew below us and the night
Stirred Manhattan’s bridges’ twinkling lights
I rang my glass like a bell
Down on one knee I fell to the top of the world
Now it’s been years, the world has grown harder
Do hearts have to harden, too? What happened to me and you?
Man will rebuild to honor the lost ones
And offer up a prayer as they remember where
We took a ride up a hundred stories to the sky
Choppers flew below us and the night
Stirred Manhattan’s bridges’ twinkling lights
I rang my glass like a bell
Down on one knee I fell to the top of the world
I believe! I believe in One Holy God of renewal
I believe! Yes, I believe…
That love will ring one day when we stand once again
And we pray for God’s power as a new freedom towers
To the top of the world!
(original photograph by Phillip E. Barchat)