Uploaded August 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago

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Sung by Mitchell Burnside Clapp. Thanks to rocketman0739 for providing high-quality versions of these songs.
Download the album here: archive.org/details/filk_unreal_estate
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Lyrics:

Jake was a spacer, he was handsome, lean, and proud,
He was a triple pilot on the Earth-Moon run, aloof in the dirtside crowd.
Claire loved him for his laughter, like a boy he'd shrug and grin.
His dreams were visions of the yet-to-be, away from the crowds and din.

He wrote her nearly every other watch and hoped for a regular run;
She lived in the Springs and every other day thought of going home to Mum.
But he'd await the phone when they were home alone; by duty, love is clear
On the High Frontier.

Cut next to Jake in orbit, writing words then crossing out,
Shedding crumpled sheets like autumn leaves, a winter breeze of doubt.
“I need you, Claire, my darling, but I need to be here too.
I can't quit now and let my dreams fade out, so close to coming true.

“For if I leave now, with the job half through, it's not been worth a damn—
This isn't only just a thing I do, it's more like who I am,
And there's a queue around the block who wait for me to drop.
Can we take it for another year,
On the High Frontier?”

The last time he left her crying, angry words, then he went away.
Claire wonders where she fits into Jake's life, and she packs her things that day.
But then the phone starts ringing; she almost lets it go—
“A call for you from Luna Terminal.” With hope she says “Hello?”

“It's me, my darling, and I've got good news; they gave me a steady run.
We'll be in Luna City, and there's room for you on the next ship out but one.
Till I can be with you and watch my dreams come true, we'll make our future here
On the High Frontier.”

So they worked out the passions, the anger, and the tears
Save them in your memory
On the High Frontier.