(Now this one is a strange tune and text which a Man taught me. Not about the Shire, and a bit too gloomy for my tastes, so you won't hear me sing this very often.)
# Ponder ye this tale of woe #
# brave Men of Dale against their foe #
# they stood no chance, but still they battled bravely #
# The dragon came, his flame so hot #
# the archer of Dale, he took his shot #
# no thoughts except for his people leaving safely #
# It's the old story #
# so often gory #
# of strength and glory #
# written in blood, so much blood #
# so much blood #
# Think back to times of kingdoms past #
# Men riding bold, their hosts so vast #
# right next to elves, and forward into darkness #
# Their armour bright, their banners high #
# as one voice, they take up the cry #
# 'To Death!' and they charge onward into madness #
# It's the old story #
# so often gory #
# of strength and glory #
# written in blood, so much blood #
# so much blood #
# Who wonders not where Man will go #
# so often quick to choose his foe #
# among themselves, or among the other races #
# Yet Man will outlive all, 'tis told #
# in tales of old, the visions unfold #
# of Men, mature and ready to take their places #
# It's a new story
# perhaps less gory #
# of strength and glory #
# but no blood, no more blood #
# strength and glory #
# strength and glory #
# Man's strength and glory #
# but no blood, no more blood #
# if they will #
((Sung to "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen))
