Mead and Fire

Smoke on the waterlineAshes in the windRavens wheel aboveWhere the dead have beenBoots in blood and saltFire in the skyHear the horns call outTo the northern night

We came on iron wavesWith torches in our handsThe shore was black with smokeAs flame ran through their landsThe gate broke like dry boneThe night was split with steelTheir gold was lit by fireTheir fear was made to kneel

We marked the halls with ashWe burned their banners downThe timber sang in sparksAs embers crowned the groundNo mercy in the raidNo tremor in the bladeOnly oaths and battle criesAnd riches to be claimed

Raise the horns to the skyLet the mead run redFor the brothers at our sideAnd the glorious dead

Mead and fireGold and bloodWe drink for victoryWe praise the floodIf we fallValhalla callsIf we liveWe ride again

The longships groan with silverThe chests are bound with chainThe oars cut cold black waterThrough moonlight smoke and rainOur laughter shakes the planksOur shadows fill the sailsThe sea bears home the spoilsThe song the scars the tale

In the hall the drums awakeThe beams begin to roarFoam and mead on bearded lipsAnd boots against the floorWe drink to those who fellWe drink to those who standWe drink to dawn and battle hornsAnd fire in every hand

Fill the horns again tonightLet the great hall shakeFor the names we carry onAnd the gold we take

Mead and fireGold and bloodWe drink for victoryWe praise the floodIf we fallValhalla callsIf we liveWe ride again

My drinking horn is my weapon tonightSteel in my fist and the moon burning whiteStorm on the sea and the dead in the windIf dawn brings war then we rise againCall to the fathersCall to the flameCall to ValhallaRemember our names

Horns upShields highStorm comesTonight

Mead and fireGold and bloodWe drink for victoryWe praise the floodIf we fallValhalla callsIf we liveWe ride again

Blow the battle horn through the dawnGlory ahead and the dead march onFor gold and glory for names untoldNext raid at sunriseBring mead and gold