"We will chase the clues from Georgia
To the woods of California
Oh we’re coming and we warned ya!
And together we’ll search the world!"

Song in praise of all the brave and steadfast Fallers who have made the #cipherhunt so amazing!

Cipherhunt (filk)

A filk of Simon & Garfunkel's "The Boxer" from Stan Pines' perspective, set during the GF finale.

The Conman

A filk in praise of Mabel Pines, written for The Power Of Mabel Week 2016!

You're A Star

"The Seas of Space," tune traditional, words by Suzette Haden Elgin.

Seas of Space

In-universe The Adventure Zone filk song about the rebellion at Raven's Roost.

Lyrics:

So high on the windy grey cliffside
And under the mountains’ tall crest
As evening falls over the country
The ravens roost safe in their nest.
          The ravens roost safe in their nest
          The ravens roost safe in their nest
          As evening falls over the country
          The ravens roost safe in their nest. 

Yet under a false-hearted hunter
The ravens were sorely oppressed
He chased them with hounds and with arrows
And took what he would from their nest.
	And took what he would from their nest
	And took what he would from their nest
	He chased them with hounds and with arrows
        And took what he would from their nest

Then up spoke a canny young raven
“My friends, we must rise and protest
We must drive off this false-hearted hunter
Till the ravens roost safe in their nest.”
	The ravens roost safe in their nest.
	The ravens roost safe in their nest.
	We must drive off this false-hearted hunter
	Till the ravens roost safe in their nest.

The ravens swooped down on the hunter
They plucked the gold chain from his breast
His hawks and his hounds were all scattered
So far from the ravens’ tall nest.
	So far from the ravens’ tall nest.
        So far from the ravens’ tall nest.
        His hawks and his hounds were all scattered
        So far from the ravens’ tall nest.

And now that the battle is over
So sweetly I’ll lay you to rest
And with the soft sky as your blanket
The ravens roost safe in their nest.
	The ravens roost safe in their nest.
	The ravens roost safe in their nest.
	And with the soft sky as their blanket
	The ravens roost safe in their nest.

The earlier version is the most common. It was penned by an unknown bard in the city of Raven’s Roost and spread to the surrounding countryside. Most bards who perform the song now are unaware of its origins. Less well-known is Variation B, which dates to shortly after the city fell. It never gained the popularity of the original ballad, and nowadays is very seldom sung.
 
But hunters, my darling, are cowards
Of this I can easily attest
So under the cover of darkness
He toppled the ravens’ tall nest.
	He toppled the ravens’ tall nest.
	He toppled the ravens’ tall nest.
	So under the cover of darkness
        He toppled the ravens’ tall nest.

And now that the battle is over
So sweetly I’ll lay you to rest
And with the soft earth as your blanket
The ravens sleep safe in their nest.
	The ravens sleep safe in their nest.
	The ravens sleep safe in their nest.
	And with the soft earth as your blanket
	The ravens sleep safe in their nest.

Folk and Popular Ballads of Faerun

Ravens Roost

Here’s a filk for the first day of tazladyweek​, an ode to my favorite blazingly humanist undead robot daughter Noelle!

Opening audio from episode 37 of The Adventure Zone; vocals and guitar by me; viola by Ford (astriiformes​ on tumblr)

Lyrics:

The world is still here.
The world is still living.
I think this is the best gift I’ve ever been given.
I was sure it all stopped,
That they’d all disappeared
But now I’ve got life in my circuits and soul
And the world is still here!

The world is still here.
The world is still going
And the harvests keep coming and children keep growing
And the growing don’t stop
It comes year after year
And even if life leaves my circuits and soul
The world is still here!

The world is still here.
The world is still turning.
And I know there’s still places and lives that are burning
Well I’ll make the flames stop
So you don’t live in fear
I’ll fight with each spark in my circuits and soul
As long as there’s life in my circuits and soul
And even if live leaves my circuits and soul
The world is still here!
The world is still here.

The World Is Still Here

Tune by Sassafras
Lyrics by tumblr user astriiformes (http://astriiformes.tumblr.com/post/158984539130/data-file-5376-rebel-alliance-archives-type)

Performed by Araxie Haldane (scribefindegil) and Nana Graye (howtotrainyournana)

Lyrics:

Our Rebellion is small
Versus power so great that it boggles the mind
Star Destroyers and stormtroopers widely deployed in Imperial design
A galaxy, so tightly oppressed
That fear rules the whole status quo
This kind of rule, we must protest
And tyranny must overthrow

I may not see it done
For this combat is harsh and the fight is not fair
To give every species and planet the freedom that I will not share

But I’ll get the intel that sets off the mission
That send us to Jedha in search of some proof.
And I’ll be the pilot that carries the message 
That I will assure is the absolute truth
These parts may seem small and disjointed in purpose 
A purpose that maybe I can’t see today
But I am willing to sacrifice something I don’t have
For something I won’t have but somebody will someday

And this fight’s marred by loss
There is sacrifice found at the heart of the cause
All for a liberty labor’s endeavors will never make mine
But for each world where hopes fall through
There’s still a chance for victory
In tragedy, the Force is with you
And in darkness the Force is with me

I am Guardian of
All who under this type of regime suffer greatly and dream to be free

So I’ll provide cover that acts as protection
That serves as the luck that a certain fool needs
And I’ll make the faith walk that carries the proof
That I’m one with the Force and the Force is with me
It takes faith in the future to keep pushing forward
And when things are their darkest it’s easy to stray
But I am willing to sacrifice something I don’t have
For something I won’t have but somebody will someday

We cannot win alone
It takes many to build a rebellion at all
If it weren’t for each other and working together we know it would fall
But if I put my trust in you
And it’s trust that I get in return
Alliances are what create
A new hope we give today
Hope that will live today
The moment the tide might just turn

It’s a hard fight to win
If my efforts will free us I cannot foretell
But when faced with such evil I know one thing: I must rebel

So I’ll climb the tower and send the transmission
And let the whole Empire know our dissent
And I’ll take the chance that might lead us to victory
That leads to the next ‘til our chances are spent
Hope is fragile, but strong in the hands of good people
It takes courage to fight for tomorrow, today

But I am willing to sacrifice something I don’t have 
For something I won’t have, and not only me
But we are willing to sacrifice something we don’t have 
For something we won’t have so somebody will

So somebody will someday

Rebellion Song (Somebody Will)

Tune: Traditional "Roll The Old Chariot Along"
Lyrics: Nana Graye (tumblr user howtotrainyournana)
Sung by Araxie Haldane and Nana Graye

Roll the Old Shuttle-Ship Along

Tune: Traditional (Shenandoah)
Words: Araxie Haldane
Araxie and Nana on vocals, Araxie on guitar
(Yes, this is a stealth TAZ filk)

Lyrics:
Oh planetfall, I long to reach you
Away, across the cosmos
Oh planetfall, I long to reach you
Away, we’re bound away
Chasing hope and starlight.

The darkness comes, but we keep flying
Away, across the cosmos
The darkness comes, but we keep flying
Away, we’re bound away
Chasing hope and starlight.

Our world is gone, there’s no returning
Away, across the cosmos
Our world is gone, there’s no returning
Away, we’re bound away
Chasing hope and starlight.

But we will build a home together
Away, across the cosmos
But we will build a home together
Away, we’re bound away
Chasing hope and starlight.

Planetfall

Written and performed by Araxie Haldane, inspired by the Gravity Falls episode "The Last Mabelcorn"

Lyrics:
The unicorn smiled when she saw you approaching her fountain
“Just one little test” she demanded and shot you a grin
“Just prove that your heart is as pure as the dew on the snowdrops
You’ll foul my glade if you’re wicked and tainted with sin.”

CHORUS:
Don’t fall for the lies of those cruel unicorns
You’ve been messy and mortal since the day you were born
If you try to be perfect it’s just gonna tear you apart.
They want you to break yourself down till you shatter
They’ll say that you’re selfish for knowing you matter
So be brave and tenacious and loving and joyful and smart
But forget pure of heart.

“My lady,” you said, “I can’t claim that my spirit is blameless,
But I try to do good and to help in the ways I know how
My heart’s filled with love for myself and the people around me
And I’ll strive to do more and be better and stronger, I vow!”

CHORUS

The unicorn scoffed and she drew back her head with a shudder.
“I knew it! You arrogant mortals have never been pure!
Perhaps if you’re humble enough you may gain some forgiveness
But you’ll never be perfect. You’re sullied, and I have no cure!”

CHORUS

“Well, what have you done then?” you said as you stood up and faced her
“Just sit in this glade telling people the things they can’t do.
There isn’t a deed or a person who’s ever been perfect
And I may not be pure but I've damn well done more good than you!”

CHORUS

If you’re careful you’ll notice that unicorns live all around us
You can tell by the smugly superior look in their eyes.
They’ll enumerate each of your flaws with distain in their voices.
They’ll all tell you you have to be perfect; they’ll all tell you lies!

Don’t fall for the lies of those cruel unicorns
We’ve been messy and mortal since the day we were born
If we try to be perfect it’s just gonna tear us apart.
I won’t let the world break me down till I shatter
I’d rather be selfish than think I don’t matter!
I’m brave and tenacious and loving and joyful and smart
But I’m not pure of heart.

Pure Of Heart

I'm going back to re-record some of my early filks, written when I only had a laptop mic to record on. This is actually the first Gravity Falls filk I wrote--completed during the hiatus between Not What He Seems and A Tale Of Two Stans.

Lyrics:
Pine tree standing in the wood
Wishing you were understood
Will you come when mystery calls?
Yellowed pages that begin
To mirror the warnings on your skin
There’s no one you can trust in Gravity Falls.

And don’t you know the end is coming, children?
Don’t you know the end is not some game?
I wonder, are you looking for adventure
For answers, affirmation or for fame?

Shooting star takes every chance
You may fall but you’ll still dance
Will you come when mystery calls?
Is it brave or just naive
The way that you just won’t believe
There’s no one you can trust in Gravity Falls?

And don’t you know the end is coming, children?
And when it does, who’ll be there at your side?
The ones you love may fall away before you
Till you alone can be your only guide

Pine tree floating underground
All uprooted, turned around
Will you come when mystery calls?
Stumbling beyond the screen
Of truths untold and sights unseen.
There’s no one you can trust in Gravity Falls.

And don’t you know the end is coming, children?
Don’t you know the end is coming soon?
For all your fears and portents, you were willing
To think a lying man might change his tune

Shooting star, adrift and torn,
Find the calm within the storm.
Will you come when Mystery calls?
Your choice could tear the world apart
Will you trust your head or trust your heart?
Who you gonna trust when gravity falls?

And don’t you know the end is coming, children?
And don’t you fear it might come at your hand?
The clock ticks down; the world is wishing on you
Now it’s time to make your choice, to take your stand.

And don’t you know the end is coming, children?
But this time doesn’t have to be the end
The world came tumbling down, but you’re rebuilding
(Just brace yourself before it falls again)

When Gravity Falls

“I guess there’s some folk songs about me now?”
                         -Soos Ramirez, Weirdmageddon Part 1

Well, now there’s at least one. An ode to everyone’s favorite apocalyptic handyman!

Lyrics and chords:

     A                                                                  D
Oh listen all you citizens who are not turned to stone
     D                        D7                            E                           A
All you who have to wander through this wide weird world alone
       A                                                                  D
The planet may be crumbling and terrors fill the air
      D                            D7                   E                          A
But when you fear that all is lost you’ll find him standing there 

                C       A                C              D
There’s a Handyman at the end of the world
      D                                                                             A 
His tools are tough and worn; his fists are strong and curled.
               C       A                       C                        D
He’s a Handyman and when he looks you in the eye
        D                        D7                       E                        A
You hope that he will fix the world; you know that he will try.

He walks the wild weirderness where others fear to tread
A toolkit in his hand and a cap upon his head
No matter if you knew of him or cared before the end
In the midst of the Apocalypse he’ll smile and call you friend 

Chorus

He’ll fix you when you’re starving with his magic pizza slice
He’ll fix you when you’re hurting with first aid and sweet advice
He’ll fix you when you’re hopeless, he’ll fix you up so well
He’ll make you and your children laugh although you’re facing hell.

Chorus

Handyman (At The End Of The World)

Written in the wake of the 2016 election, when I needed a hope song for a world that felt deeply hopeless. This may be the darkest timeline, but that doesn't mean we have to be resigned to it.

Lyrics:

So here we are. It’s come to this.
The darkest timeline’s where we’re living.
I know it’s hard to carry on
And take the world that we’ve been given.

But we’re still here. And we’re still fighting
With our hands, our words, our hearts
In little ways, through darkened days.
This is where the future starts.

So make this timeline brighter.
Make this timeline brighter.
Make this timeline brighter.
From today.

I know that I can’t save the world
But there are still things I can save.
If we go down, we’ll go down fighting
But first we’ll stand up and be brave

And make this timeline brighter.
Make this timeline brighter.
Make this timeline brighter.
From today.

So help the ones who need your helping
Lend your voices to their song
We can't give up, so just keep marching
Though the work is hard and long

We’ll make this timeline brighter.
Make this timeline brighter.
Make this timeline brighter.
From today.

Make This Timeline Brighter

"Few Days" by Leslie Fish, covered by Scribe

Few Days

Written as a companion song to "Seas Of Space," this is sung to the tune of "Catch The Wind" by Dovovan Leitch (at least the version I learned by ear at my college folk music society; apparently recorded versions are quite different)

Chase The Wind

The very important Ford filk I've been working on for months but still can't figure out an accompaniment for, so here's an a capella version.
Lyrics:

When we were young we walked the beach
Where gulls cry and humpbacks breech
And I felt like we could reach the sky.

There was so much we would do
In a boat to carry two
Brave adventurers, just you and I.

But I grew up and I moved on
Found new dreams to act upon.
You refused and now you’re gone. Goodbye.

Still I remember ad astra per aspera
Through hardships to the stars
I’ll work, and I’ll fight, and I’ll strive
Till the glory that I’ve earned is worth these scars.

Into mystery I spurred
Seeking answers, undeterred—
The Muse chose me and I heard his call.

But my reach exceeds my grasp
And the flaming hand I clasped
Came back to burn me after all.

Now this whole world could be consumed
While I was puppeted and groomed
And like Icarus, I’m doomed to fall.

Still I remember ad astra per aspera
Through hardships to the stars
I’ll work, and I’ll fight, and I’ll strive
Till the vengeance that I’ve earned is worth these scars.

The years have passed and now I’m old
I could never have foretold
I’d have people here to hold me tight.

Pull me back when I was lost
Take my falls and damn the cost
And still not let that exhaust their light

Now the fire’s burning low
Dreams, like embers, still aglow
Keep these lights close as you grow. Goodnight.

Again I remember ad astra per aspera
Through hardships to the stars
I worked, and I fought, and I strove
And the family that I’ve found is worth these scars.

Ad Astra Per Aspera

Gravity Falls filk to the tune of "Kilkelly Ireland" by Peter Jones

Lyrics:
Gravity Falls, Oregon, nineteen and eighty-two:
My dear brother Ford
I don’t know why I’m writing. It’s not like you’ll read this.
I guess I’m just tired and bored.
	Your heating’s back on and that burn’s healing nicely
	And no one’s come snooping around.
	But I still haven’t managed to turn on the Portal
	It won’t make a spark or a sound.
And would it have killed you to leave some instructions
Not written in ciphers and runes?
Still I’ll fix it today—or if not that, tomorrow—
I promise I’ll get you home soon.

Gravity Falls, Oregon, nineteen and ninety:
How’s it going there, bro?
I still spend my nights doing work on the portal
I’m sorry that progress is slow.
	I set up a storefront and business is booming
	These tourists were made to be conned!
	No colleagues or friends have come asking about you,
	Just conferences. I don’t respond.
And Ma keeps expecting I’ll go back for funerals
I missed both our dad’s and my own
It’s been a few years and she’s finally stopped calling
We’ll visit as soon as you’re home.

Gravity Falls, Oregon, year two thousand:
My dear brother Ford
That portal is still just a hunk of dull metal
But at least all the parts are restored.
	Shermy’s son Aaron got married last summer
	And this year they gave birth to twins
	I was there, and I saw them all brand-new and screaming
	And their parents’ exhausted broad grins.
They clung to my fingers and smiled when I held them
I wished I could steal them away
They’re already fighters. It runs in the family.
I hope you can meet them someday.

Gravity Falls, Oregon, twenty and ten.
Ford, I’ve worked for so long.
You’d better be out there still stirring up trouble
Wherever you are, just hold on.
	They called me last night to say Ma was in hospice
	I thanked them and hung up the phone.
	I promised I wouldn’t go back East without you
	But I can’t let her die there alone.
The Shack is already closed down for the season
The house can stand empty a while.
As soon as I’m home I’ll head back to the basement
And face this impossible trial.

Gravity Falls, Oregon, twenty and twelve:
My dear brother Ford
The gnomes keep invading—it’s like they’re attracted
To where all your old things are stored.
	And Dipper and Mabel are coming to visit
	I’ve fixed up the attic for them
	I just have to keep them away from the monsters
	And the rest of this madtown’s mayhem.
And hey, did I tell you I paid off the mortgage?
The house is all yours from now on.
Like us it’s still tough, just much older and creaky.
It’s been thirty years since you’re gone.
	I’ve scoured every inch of that journal you left me
	And anything else that you penned.
	I just need to find one more piece of the puzzle
	And then I can see you again.

Gravity Falls, OR

A TAZ filk of Mister Sandman. I came up with the idea between episodes 57 and 58 when I was really worried about Magnus, and when the clone theory was confirmed I had to actually write the thing.

Music by Pat Ballard; arrangement by Madelyn Curtin; filk lyrics by Scribe.

Lyrics:
Mr. Garfield clone me a boy
If you can do it I’ll jump for joy
Give him a face that’s rustically charming
And a physique that’s just a bit disarming
Garfield, I’m so upset
He’s a protector who can’t protect
So cast your spells and don’t be coy
Oh Mr. Garfield clone me a boy!

Mr. Garfield clone me a boy
If you can do it I’ll jump for joy
You have his blood and nightmarish powers
And this entire world could end in hours
Garfield, I’m so upset
He’s a protector who can’t protect
So cast your spells and don’t be coy 
Oh Mr. Garfield clone me a boy!

Mr. Garfield clone me a boy 
Replace that body that got destroyed
Make sure his blows and hugs will be crushing
And that his legs are strong and built for rushing
Garfield, make me a deal
He needs a body that can fight and feel
So cast your spells and don’t be coy
Oh Mr. Garfield clone me, oh please please clone me
Mr. Garfield clone me a boy!

Mister Garfield (Clone Me A Boy)

A filk lullaby for Magnus Burnsides to sing to the baby Voidfish. Accompaniment to my fic "Songs From The Void" (found here: http://archiveofourown.org/works/11463204/chapters/25699935)

Tune: Tradtional (Lavender's Blue)

Lyrics:
Stars are above, dilly dilly, worlds are below
What we will find, dilly dilly, no one can know
But I know this, dilly dilly, every world round
I will make sure, dilly dilly, you’re safe and sound.

Home is behind, dilly dilly, far far away
What is ahead, dilly dilly, no one can say
Though you are lost, dilly dilly, you’re not alone.
I’ll keep you safe, dilly dilly. I’ll be your home.

Hush now and sleep, dilly dilly, no need to fear
When the day breaks, dilly dilly, I’ll still be near
Worlds are below, dilly dilly, stars are above
And we are here, dilly dilly, shining with love.

Songs From The Void

Voidfish Lullaby

The world is still here.
The world is still trying.
And it’s easy to think that we’ve lost, that it’s dying.
But this darkness will stop
Once these shadows have cleared
I know with each spark in my circuits and soul
That the world will be here!

The world is still here.
The world is still fighting.
Make me part of those legends and songs you’ll be writing.
And my story won’t stop. 
Now there’s no time for tears.
I fought with each spark of my circuits and soul
And I love you with all of my circuits and soul
And I’ll light up the sky with my circuits and soul
And the world is still here
The world is still here!

The World Is Still Here (Reprise)

A filk of Simon and Garfunkle's "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" written by the lovely and talented Nana Graye (howtotrainyournana on tumblr) and sung by me!
Lyrics:

Are you goin’ to Phandalin fair?
Promises, missions, bonds, and time
Remember me to one who passed there
She once was a true love of mine

Tell her to make me an umbrella grand
Promises, missions, bonds, and time
That’s dear to the heart and light in the hand
Then she’ll be a true love of mine

[On the deck of a ship run by love and bonds true
Tracings of memories; robes red as blood
Wrap all ‘round the travelers from worlds away
Marks them fore-bearers of Hunger’s dark call]

Tell her to find me the Light as it falls
Promises, missions, bonds, and time
To split it apart and dampen its calls
So people instead fall prey to its thralls

[On a base on the moon on the evening of war
Mem’ries recovered and fam’ly reclaimed
Between the dark void or pale ashes instead
Choose with your heart and trust despite pain]

Tell her be patient and hold tight to trust
Promises, missions, bonds, and time
Though mem’ries be static and bodies be dust
Bonds forge again and love once more shines

[War bellows blazing with savage delight
The Hunger directs its armies to kill
The world fights against a foe it is blind to
And waits for the heroes hearts hope to instill]

Are you goin’ to Phandalin fair?
Promises, missions, bonds, and time
Remember me to some who passed there
They once were dear fam’ly of mine.

Phandolin Fair/Canticle

One of several tracks from my d&d group's recent Raise Dead ritual! Others can be found at https://friendshipcampaign.tumblr.com/tagged/raise-dead

This particular song is an in-universe aria from a Drow opera cycle. Our bard assures me that it's the most pious song she knows.

Tune is "Estuans Interius" from Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. Background orchestration adapted from midi files found at http://www.botproductions.com/music/carmina.html

Lyrics (in somewhat dodgy Elvish), vocals, and arrangement by me. Cover art by thesnadger. Translation of the Quenya lyrics: 

My fate is dangling
By a single spider-thread
Over the jaws of doom.
I tremble in the wind.
Cruel hope is waning
Within my breast
I lament my fortune
I know nothing of joy

Will this dark valley
Be my unguarded tomb?
Will I wander home again?
I curse my path.
I am hanging on with one finger
I am sinking, and yet
Steadfast and flinthearted
I refuse to fall!

Oh web-mother
Great spider-queen
You rule over the abyss
You summon phantoms
Dark one, may you bless me
Your forlorn vassal
Lead me into victory
Lift up your debtor

I will praise you for an Age
Hear my prayer
Cloak me in wrath
And steel my heart.
My queen, crowned with slaughter
I invoke your power
You will ensnare [my] enemies
They will fear your net.

May you burn the traitors,
Snatch their breath (alt: seize their treasure)
With teeming (evil) curses
Fill up their court.
Tear their family asunder
Mighty one, put them to shame
Their blood will flow
Show them no mercy!

Raise Dead

Umbarenya Lingeas

A lullaby used in my d&d group's Raise Dead ritual.

Tune: Traditional (Ar Hyd y Nos/All Through the Night)
Lyrics: Nate astriiformes
Cover art: thesnadger
Vocals and arrangement by me.

Lyrics:
O’er the land the dark is falling
‘Midst fading light
As the night-birds start their calling
‘Midst fading light
Stranger sights the evening conjures
Shadows growing ever longer
Night becoming even stronger
‘Midst fading light

‘Neath the shining skies you’ll wander
‘Midst fading light
Over this horizon yonder
‘Midst fading light
When I cannot at your side be
Lady Sehanine will guide thee
Soft her footfalls are beside thee
‘Midst fading light

See, the moon and stars are rising
‘Midst fading light
All aglow and mesmerizing
‘Midst fading light
Though their tiny lights are fleeting
Gloam and glow are e’er competing
Watch the darkness light defeating
‘Midst fading light

Midst Fading Light

Lyrics by Nate astriiformes; melody is the Thaxted tune taken from Holst's 'Jupiter.'

‘Cross the light-scattered starfields, past the moons of planets large and small
‘Cross the belts filled with asteroids comes a message: do you hear my call?
Though it’s faint, I trust you’re out there
Though it’s small amidst the void
We are bonded by friendship, which cannot be destroyed

I will not cease the signal, I am still awaiting your reply
I do not doubt it’s coming for a moment, sure as comets fly
There are light-years set between us
There are parsecs in the way
But I know that you’re listening, and your words will find the way

I will dream we’re together, I will wish it every time I can
And just maybe, fate will see us once again joining hand in hand
But if space stays vast between us
If we’re star systems apart
Know I’ll keep on transmitting, you’re always in my heart.

Long Distance Transmission

In-universe ballad for my D&D campaign!

Lyrics:
When we sailed out from Umedash the weather it was fair
We’d twenty worthy sailors and our singing filled the air
We’d twenty worthy sailors on the day we put to sea
And we were bound for Aeston town to serve the Company.

When we were only two days out the weather it was bright
Our sails were full, our course was clear and all our hearts were light
Our sails were full, our course was clear, and not a care had we
But now I roam the shores alone and they’re drowned in the sea

When we were three days out from land the weather it turned cold
The wind it froze our fingers and the chill it froze our souls
The chill it froze our souls, me boys, it froze them barbarously
And in our fear there swift appeared a nightmare from the sea

The fog drew back before us and a dreadful silence fell
Her figurehead was fashioned like a devil out of hell
A devil out of hell she was! Too late we turned to flee
But through the surge the Devil’s Dirge swung round into our lee.

“Give up, give up!” their captain cried, his voice like fire and swords,
“Your lives and souls are forfeit so stand down and let us board!
Your lives and souls are forfeit!” “Come and take them then!” cried we.
The Captain laughed and the devil crew began to crow with glee.

Although our bodies trembled and our hearts quaked in our chests
We rallied sword and cutlass and prepared to do our best.
We fought them hard, we fought them long, we fought most valiently
But one by one my shipmates fell till none were left but me.

They threw me to the bloody deck, my hands were bound behind
They laughed and whispered curses till the darkness claimed my mind.
And as the darkness claimed my mind I offered up a plea:
“Gods save our souls from the devils’ hold and leave us to the sea.”

‘Twas then we saw another ship come raging through the gale
Her rigging was the lightning and the storm clouds were her sails
The storm clouds were her sails me boys, she bore no heraldry,
But the name upon her prow it was “The Fury of the Sea.”

The devils hissed and chattered and they left me on the deck
They hastened back to take their posts like rats flee from a wreck.
They hastened back to take their posts and grinned with fiendish glee
“More souls! More souls! We’ve passed our goal! How wealthy we shall be!”

They fired spells and cannons but the Fury took no heed
A ghostly ship cannot be sunk and ghostly crew can’t bleed.
A ghostly ship cannot be sunk though well those devils tried
They could not hew at ship and crew that had already died.

Then spoke the Fury’s captain to my shipmates battered bones,
“They have no claim upon your souls; the sea will claim her own!
They have no claim upon your souls; come with us and be free.”
And I watched them rise and climb aboard the Fury of the Sea.

The rest is dark. I drifted till a whaler found the wreck.
The crew cried out to see me there upon the grisly deck.
But when I dare to close my eyes my shipmates come to me
“We are not truly lost,” they say. “You’ll find us in the sea.”

Folk and Popular Ballads of Ashona

The Fury and the Dirge

The Devil's Dirge (Deep Blue Sea)

The Devil's Dirge (traditional)

For my party.

Lyrics:
Fate plays cards and Chance throws dice
And we mortals pay the price
And sometimes it’s more steep than we can bear.
They bring ruin and reknown
Build us up and tear us down
And fill the world with glory and despair.

But the strangest things they do
Are the ones like meeting you
A chance or choice or fate that seems so small
That it’s only looking on
At the path your life has gone
You’ll see it changed the future after all

So we’ll go on. So we’ll go on . . .
So we’ll go on

Do you think that if you’d stayed
You could fill that mold they made?
Instead you chose to break it and go free.
And though leaving left you scarred
And the life you built is hard
You made your own imperfect destiny

Do you think if you’d been shown
All the loss your life has known
You might have hung your head and turned away?
But with every path you cross
You’ll find love weighs more than loss
And so you’ll keep on loving anyway

So we’ll go on. So we’ll go on . . .

So we’ll go on, shoulder the weight
Of our chances and choices and fortunes and fates
So we’ll go far, never alone
And someday these someones who started out strangers will turn into home
They’ll turn into home.

Fate plays cards and Chance throws dice
And we can’t avoid the price
Of games that gods and universes play.
But whatever brought us here
Now I choose to keep you near
And I’ll fight whatever force gets in our way.

So we’ll go on. So we’ll go on

So we’ll go on, shoulder the weight
Of our chances and choices and fortunes and fates
So we’ll go far, never alone
Cause somehow these someones who started out strangers have turned into home
They’ve turned into home.

Love Patrol Beta

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