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Eileen Collins Honored with Song

Commander Eileen Collins. Photo: NASA

(from KSC News Release 65-99)

Judy Collins has honored Eileen Collins, first woman to command a Space Shuttle, with a song commissioned by NASA through the NASA Art Program. Judy Collins performed the song, "Beyond the Sky," at a pre-flight briefing on Monday, July 19, 1999 and will be on hand for the VIP viewing of the launch. It is also understood that the song written especially for the occasion will be broadcast at the site prior to the launch.

Beyond the Sky
Words and Music by Judy Collins - The Wildflower Company/ASCAP

Commander Eileen Collins. Photo: NASA

Once there was a girl with a dream in her heart
Wild as the wind was her hope
In those far off days she could dream all she would
No one but her heart believed her hope
All she could do was to hold to her dream
Catching every rainbow's light
Praying for the miracle to come to pass
Even on the darkest night

That she would fly beyond the sky
Beyond the stars beyond the heavens
Beyond the dawn she'd carry on
Until her dreams had all come true

Once there was a woman with stars in her eyes
Flying on the wings of her dreams
She had come so far it was hard to believe
Changed the world from what it seemed
Equal to the ones who had claimed the sky
Now she flew with them beneath the Sun
But she dared a dream beyond all dreams
She would take the helm and be the one

And she would fly beyond the sky
Beyond the stars beyond the heavens
Beyond the dawn she'll carry on
Until her dreams have all come true

She had led the way beyond darkness
For other dreamers who would dare the sky
She has led us to believe in dreaming
Given us the hope that we can try

Now in the grace of her dance of delight
Shining in her destiny
Here is the promise for all our hopes
Telling us we can be free

And we will fly beyond the sky
Beyond the stars beyond the heavens
Beyond the dawn we'll carry on
Until our dreams have all come true
To those who fly - we sing to you

Into the sky

Beyond the stars

We'll reach our dreams

Disclaimer: This material is being kept online for historical purposes. Though accurate at the time of publication, it is no longer being updated. The page may contain broken links or outdated information, and parts may not function in current web browsers. Visit chandra.si.edu for current information.