redandgold

Former Sinister Sylvan Bard of Æthelmearc, Gavin Kent, requested songs about gathering together for a bit of a showcase this past winter. This one started with walking back from a friend's house in the wee hours of the night, where the first line floated away into the darkness as mist from my warm breath. Later I realized that the red and gold meant to refer to the flames also harkens to the citizen badge of Æthelmearc and two of the main colors in the Pahmoten arms. Guess I shouldn't be shocked at this point when major parts of my life sneak in when I'm not looking.

The progression is meant to discuss where we can find inspiration, how we can miss it, and how to make it strong enough to last. If we're only out to inspire others, without recognizing those that help us, the one way street will lead to our demise.

In short, my appreciation and thoughts go out to all those who've shared their passion, talent, and warm welcomes with me.

(will later be available on Bandcamp)

Rough recording on YouTube

Breaths of mist filter into the night

To a place we know sadly well,

While the space we yearn for seems so far away

As of winter these chill winds foretell.

For we must prepare for the silence and cold,

To keep the dark things at bay.

Shoulder to shoulder and the warmth in between

Must be what inspires us this day.

chorus (after each two)

Let our fire call to their fire,

Let these flames burn the miles into inches,

Let the red and gold remind us of when we are bold,

Let that spark see us never tire.

Bitter storms bring us to despair

By one or a thousand rains.

Their barrage wears resolve away

‘Til we cave to whate’er it deigns.

Their fury will blind us to hands held out

Who reach when strength is all gone.

Ages have shown us together we forge

An iron will to carry on.

Passion lives through these darkened days,

Hope guided by its light.

Whate’er its form matters not in the end,

Bringing victory where arms cannot fight.

Still, there must be open hearts to draw in

For, alone, you’ve no legacy

As all brilliant stars will fade into time

If no eyes turn skyward to see.

Let that red and gold remind us that we are bold,

That our spark will never tire.

Red and Gold