The "Most Trusted Man in America" allowed himself a few passions in life besides journalism, and one of his favorites was to sail the high seas. As we mourn the loss of one of the world's greatest news personalities, I can think of no better song to eulogize Cronkite with than this Rod MacDonald composition.
Though my sails be torn and tattered
And the mast be turned about
Let the night wind chill me to my very soul
Though the spray might sting my eyes
And the stars no light provide
Give me just another morning light to hold
And I will not lie me down
This rain a-ragin'
I will not lie me down
In such a storm
And if this night be unblessed
I shall not take my rest
Till I reach another shore
Though the only water left
Is but salt to wound my thirst
I will drink the rain that falls so steady down
And though night's blindness be my gift
And there be thieves upon my drift
I will praise this fog that shelters me along
And I will not lie me down
This rain a-ragin'
I will not lie me down
In such a storm
And if this night be unblessed
I shall not take my rest
Till I reach another shore
Though my mates by drained and weary
And believe their hopes are lost
There's no need for their bones on that blackened bottom
And though Death waits just off the bow
They shall not answer to him now
We shall stand to face the morning light without him
And I will not lie me down
This rain a-ragin'
I will not lie me down
In such a storm
And if this night be unblessed
I shall not take my rest
Till I reach another shore
Safe passage, Walter. We miss you more than you will ever know.