Soldier's Song

Words and Music: Dahrien Cordell
Written And Presented As A Gift For The Crown Of Calontir Through Conn And Sile At Their Coronation On The 5th Day Of March, A.S. XXVIII
(Chorus: "warrior" is pronounced 'war-yor', and "for'rd" is an eclipsed "forward".)
(Final Chorus: pause between "kingdom", "kinsman", and "King".)

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Chorus:
... I am a soldier, a warrior for' rd marching.
To fight is my duty, and my pride as well.
Yes, I am a soldier; my sword is my living
At war for my kingdom, my kinsman, and King.

And I've left behind me a young, pretty sister,
Four children, plus one, and a wife I love well.
The last of my sons born with me on the war-road;
The news came, and I swore I'd see him a man!

The road is a long one, though I know it ends well:
A stew with some barley, and mugs of warm beer.
For life's simple pleasures, I'd trade all a King's gold.
A song shared with comrades is comfort enough!

Chorus:
For I am a soldier, a warrior for' rd marching.
To fight is my duty, and my pride as well.
Yes, I am a soldier; my sword is my living
At war for my kingdom, my kinsman, and King.

While marching, the Crown leads our columns in war-song,
With Justice in scabbards and Pride in our step.
Stand shoulder-to-shoulder, brave soldiers, my brothers!
If any blade falters, five more answer back!

And I am a war-dog, the arm of my liege-lord!
A dance is my pleasure; to fight is my life.
The skies hear my howling of blood-lust in battle.
A curtain of red-blood is my foeman's face!

Chorus:
Now I am a soldier, a warrior for' rd marching.
To fight is my duty, and my pride as well.
Yes, I am a soldier; my sword is my living
At war for my kingdom, my kinsman, and King.

When night-dark has fallen, and death-count is rendered,
The foes of rny sovereign shall number far less!
Old fat crows have feasted on flesh and sweet marrow
Where enemies' bones and our own lie the same.

Now battle is ended and homeward we hasten.
Too long for warm hearth-side and fam'ly we've yearned.
Five seasons have grown on my youngest son's body;
I'll see him a man if the King's need is done.

Chorus:
Still I am a soldier, a warrior for' rd marching.
To fight is my duty, and my pride as well.
Yes, I am a soldier; my sword is my living
At war for my kingdom, my kinsman, and King.

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