I have journeyed to far-distant lands
But my journey is ending soon,
My trials are over, the Falcon flies home
By the light of the silvery moon.
The council has gathered, the muster is called,
We hasten to war once again,
The purple and gold, so stalwart and bold,
Shall take up the cause of our friends.
I have journeyed to far-distant lands
But my journey is ending soon,
My trials are over, the Falcon flies home
By the light of the silvery moon.
A young man-at-arms with a spear in my hand,
I fear that my task is too large,
But with friends at my side, my heart swells with pride
As I brace for the enemy's charge.
I have journeyed to far-distant lands
But my journey is ending soon,
My trials are over, the Falcon flies home
By the light of the silvery moon.
They come in great ranks towards the gate where we stand
As a battle-cry rips through the skies,
And with passion robust, I step forward and thrust,
And the first of the raiders now dies.
I have journeyed to far-distant lands
But my journey is ending soon,
My trials are over, the Falcon flies home
By the light of the silvery moon.
But the raiders are countless, they pour from all sides,
They determine to breach through the walls,
So I brace once again, for my strength shall not wane
And I will not let my brothers fall.
I have journeyed to far-distant lands
But my journey is ending soon,
My trials are over, the Falcon flies home
By the light of the silvery moon.
The battle, it rages, the raiders they come,
And once more my spear lays them low.
I will fight on with pride through the pain in my side
Where a raider's sword struck a fierce blow.
I have journeyed to far-distant lands
But my journey is ending soon,
My trials are over, the Falcon flies home
By the light of the silvery moon.
The blows come more fiercely, my arms now grow weak,
The pain more than I can endure,
I hear Valkyries call as my sword-brothers fall,
And I know that my death is assured.
I have journeyed to far-distant lands
But my journey is ending soon,
My trials are over, the Falcon flies home
By the light of the silvery moon.
The sun is now fading, one raider still stands,
Both his wounds and mine now bleed fast,
My brothers are gone, our great battle is done,
And I know the next strike is my last.
I have journeyed to far-distant lands
But my journey is ending soon,
My trials are over, the Falcon flies home
By the light of the silvery moon.
With a last gasp the raider now drives his blade home
As my spear sends his spirit to flight…
As we both meet our end, I say `Thank you, my friend,
I shall be with my brothers tonight.'
Final Chorus:
For I now journey to glorious lands,
I shall dine in Valhalla soon,
My trials are over, the Falcon flies home
By the light of the silvery moon.
Lyrics and music by me, written for the War Bard Competition at Gulf Wars 21 and refined following Bardic Bedlam of this year. I hope this proves handy to anyone who might want to sing along next time I sing this piece.
In service to song and spoken word,
Johann