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
Chorus
So strike a blow for freedom, then strike one for the land
For 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.
Chorus
A Viking's chest well sheathes my point as he lifts up his axe.
His eyes beg me for mercy. I grant it with my seax.
Chorus
(New verse by Rhodri ap Hywel)
Ternon was the first of us to grasp that ashwood spear
And we who follow in his fame have filled our foes with fear
Chorus
The yeoman fyrd stand in great rank. Their shafts on sinews taut.
Hardrada's men pay with their lives and lie in land they bought.
Chorus
(New verse by Rhodri ap Hywel for the Eo-Fyrd)
The banners of our riders fly boldly in the sun
And when they ride to battle, the raiders turn and run
Chorus
(Old verse that Rhodri doesn't usually sing anymore to keep the song shorter)
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.
Chorus
A Huscarl from the best of us we pay to armor fine.
He lives now for his soldiering; with Harald he will dine.
So Strike a blow for freedom, then strike one for the land
For 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
(or alternate Old English version suggested by Duncan Eardstapa)
Knowing when you're called again, ge willen ne standan an.
Last bit pronounced: "Ya will-en nay stahnd-en ahn."
Chorus
It's not our job to call the charge
Nor guard the King's last stand.
For this the Huscarls stand prepared
And Knights who have command.
But when the troops are mustered,
Make haste and grab your spear.
Stand forth and build an army,
Iren Fyrd of Calontir.
Chorus:
In the thickest of the melee, when some might quake with fear,
The rank and file are bolstered by the Fyrd of Calontir.
Strong Lords beside you, you can trust, fierce Ladies in the Wall,
When Calon Rex goes off to war, he gives the Fyrd a call.
The Huscarls have their sharpened axe,
The Knights their chains of gold,
The Fyrdmen have but strong stout spears
To guard our land so bold.
When you find yourself in battle
With a task that must be done,
Seek a band of fyrdmen,
And the battle will be won.
Chorus
The Knights and Huscarls have their place
Of rank and high estate.
But Fyrdmen toil in the dust
To seal the foemen's fate.
If you need a sturdy spearman,
Or one to hoist a shield,
Tis best to call a Fyrdman,
Knowing he will never yield.
Chorus
It's not our job to call the charge
Nor guard the King's last stand.
But to keep the army fighting
With our spears held in our hand.
In time of strife and danger,
With foemen everywhere,
Put your faith in Fyrdmen,
They always will be there.
Chorus
It's not our job to call the charge