Lyrics
Great peril awaits us beyond the Black River
Anticipation of great danger beyond the Black River
Summoned by the beating of drums
Call to action signaled by the rhythmic beating of drums
Our number is few and our errand is dire
Acknowledgment of a small group on a crucial mission
We do what must be done
Commitment to carry out necessary tasks despite challenges
At the bidding of the high priest
Following the command of a religious leader
The tribes gather for war
Various tribes assembling for a war
Evil sorcery is unleashed
Unleashing of dark magic on the enemy's side
Upon the opposite shore
Effects of sorcery on the opposite shore
Make your stand with great hound
Encouragement to stand firm with courage
The frontier is lost
Acknowledgment of losing the frontier
Black waters lie before you
Reference to the challenging journey ahead over black waters
Together you cross
Emphasis on unity and crossing together
Take heart!
Urging to take heart and be courageous
Do not fear
Encouraging not to fear despite impending danger
Though you know
Acknowledgment of awareness of approaching death
Your death nears
Despite the knowledge of impending death, stand strong
We shall build you a cairn beyond the Black River
Promise to honor fallen warriors with a cairn
Where no one will disturb you rest
Ensuring a peaceful resting place beyond the Black River
There you shall lay in your helm and your harness
Description of the fallen warrior laid to rest in armor
With your sword across your breast
Symbolic placement of the sword across the warrior's chest
Now take a quick moment to answer this question
Shift to a meta-commentary, breaking the narrative momentarily
As the ferry approaches the shore
Questioning the readiness as a ferry approaches the shore
Will you have the coin to pay for your passage
Association of coin with the ability to pay for passage
And the courage to take up the oar?
Connecting courage with the willingness to take up the oar
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