The Chained Books of England

Vocals & Creative Concept: Ekaterina Yaremchuk Historic Footprint — History Lives in Music The Chained Books of England In England's halls of ancient stone, Where candle flames have softly shone, The books were waiting, row by row, Guarding words from long ago. Behind the doors of oak and iron, Beneath the arches cold and high, Old pages slept in sacred silence, While winter winds went passing by. Upon the desks the volumes rested, Bound in leather, dark with age, Iron chains were fixed beside them, Guardians of every precious page. Before the printed word was plenty, Every book was treasure rare, So chains of iron kept them safely, For every scholar gathered there. Oh, the chained books of England, Still whisper through the years, Of kings and saints and travellers, Of wisdom, hope and fears. Turn the page beneath the candle, Hear the ancient voices call, Though iron held the books in place, Their words belonged to all. In churches, schools and ancient chambers, Readers stood beside the page, Seeking medicine, law and scripture, Learning from another age. Chains ran softly from the bindings, Down the wooden reading frame, Not to hide away the knowledge, But to keep its living flame. Hear the bells across the valley, Hear the choir through the stone, Every word that crossed the centuries Tells us we are not alone. Iron rusts and candles vanish, Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall, But the thoughts preserved in pages Still can travel beyond walls. Oh, the chained books of England, Still whisper through the years, Of kings and saints and travellers, Of wisdom, hope and fears. Raise the light above the pages, Let the ancient voices call, Once the books were bound by iron But their words outlived it all. In England's halls of ancient stone, The chains remain... The words live on.