They say we're just the levee, the farmers from the field
But when we form our wall of men we're sworn to never yield
Strike a blow for freedom, then strike one for the land
When a fyrdman strikes a blow, there's iron in his hand
And now you will put down your plow and now your spearhead hone
For when a fyrdman strikes a blow he never stands alone.
Our weapon is but a cheap spearhead upon an ashwood pole
but when we take the field to fight it's victory that's our goal.
Strike a blow for freedom, then strike one for the land
When a fyrdman strikes a blow, there's iron in his hand
And now you will put down your plow and now your spearhead hone
For when a fyrdman strikes a blow he never stands alone.
A Viking's chest well sheaths my point as he lifts up his axe.
His eyes beg me for mercy. I grant it with my seax.
Strike a blow for freedom, then strike one for the land
When a fyrdman strikes a blow, there's iron in his hand
And now you will put down your plow and now your spearhead hone
For when a fyrdman strikes a blow he never stands alone.
Ternon was the first of us to grasp that ashwood spear
And we who follow in his fame have filled our foe with fear (Rhodri)
Strike a blow for freedom, then strike one for the land
When a fyrdman strikes a blow, there's iron in his hand
And now you will put down your plow and now your spearhead hone
For when a fyrdman strikes a blow he never stands alone.
The yeoman fyrd stand in great rank. Their shafts on sinew taut.
Hardrada's men pay with their lives and lie in land they bought.
Strike a blow for freedom, then strike one for the land
When a fyrdman strikes a blow, there's iron in his hand
And now you will put down your plow and now your spearhead hone
For when a fyrdman strikes a blow he never stands alone.
The banners of our nobles fly boldly in the sun
And when they ride to battle, the raiders turn and run (Rhodri)
Strike a blow for freedom, then strike one for the land
When a fyrdman strikes a blow, there's iron in his hand
And now you will put down your plow and now your spearhead hone
For when a fyrdman strikes a blow he never stands alone.
When thieving souls come rushing to prey upon our land
They find our stalwart brethren with shining steel in hand (Rhodri)
Strike a blow for freedom, then strike one for the land
When a fyrdman strikes a blow, there's iron in his hand
And now you will put down your plow and now your spearhead hone
For when a fyrdman strikes a blow he never stands alone.
A Huscarl from the best of us we pay to armor fine.
He lives now for his soldiering with Harald he will dine.
Strike a blow for freedom, then strike one for the land
When a fyrdman strikes a blow, there's iron in his hand
And now you will put down your plow and now your spearhead hone
For when a fyrdman strikes a blow he never stands alone.
And now you will put down your spear and now you will head home
Knowing when you're called again "Ge willan ne standan an" (Duncan Eardstappa)
Strike a blow for freedom, then strike one for the land
When a fyrdman strikes a blow, there's iron in his hand
And now you will put down your spear and now you will head home.
Knowing when you're called again you will not stand alone.
Retired verse
I don my father's byrnie. 'tis taut across my limbs.
I pray it will do more for me than 'ere it did for him.