We Walk Together Now [Bungo Version]

This historical ballad is told from the perspective of Kusunoki Masatsura. He was the son of famed samurai Kusunoki Masashige and his life mirrored that of his father. As his father before him had sworn his loyalty to Emperor Go-Daigo Kusunoki Masatsura swore his loyalty to Emperor Go-Murakami, the son of Emperor Go-Daigo. Kusunoki Masatsura led several successful campaigns against the Northern Court and rallied much support but the resources of the Southern Court were stretched thin compared to those of the Northern Court and the Ashikaga Shogunate. Eventually the Ashikaga shogunate sent an overwhelming force and despite being outnumbered Kusunoki Masatsura bravely and loyally faced them in the field and together with his brother Kusunoki Masatokihe died at the battle at the age of 22. The Bungo version is partially rewritten from the original to use a more classical language. I hope you will enjoy this song such as it is. I'm a writer but I'm not a musician, vocalist or artist so only the lyrics are written by me. The music and vocals are provided by Suno, the illustration is provided by OpenAI and Gemini has assisted with translations. Feel free to let me know your thoughts and feelings in the comments below. I hope that this song might serve to make you interested in the people and events depicted and that you continue to read about them afterwards. Let us embark on a journey through history together my friends. [Verse 1] I knelt before the young emperor Swore to serve him as you served his father Father served father, now son will serve son Two generations mirrored as one [Chorus] Like you before me Like your father before you I shall carry our legacy forward I hope to make you proud [Verse 2] Your glory is still in my heart At Chihaya Castle, you stood like a mountain Will I triumph as you did? Will I live up to your name? [Chorus] Like you before me Like your father before you I shall carry our legacy forward I hope to make you proud [Verse 3] At Sakai-no-ura I faced our foe Vanquished them and rallied support For the glory of the emperor I fought For the glory of our family I raised my sword [Chorus] Like you before me Like your father before you I shall carry our legacy forward I hope to make you proud [Verse 4] It’s been twelve years since you fought at Minatogawa Together with uncle Masasue, you fell with honor An impossible battle, yet you both stood firm I hope I’ll be as brave as you were [Chorus] Like you before me Like your father before you I shall carry our legacy forward I hope to make you proud [Verse 5] Father, my time has come Eighty thousand march against us I have only three thousand brave souls But I must do as you did, for the emperor [Chorus] Like you before me Like your father before you I shall carry our legacy forward I hope to make you proud [Verse 6] Here at Shijōnawate I’ll make my stand For the emperor to live, I must fall I share only your regret, that I have but one life to give Soon I’ll walk beside you on the other shore [Chorus] Like you before me Like your father before you I shall carry our legacy forward I hope to make you proud [Verse 7] Now I rest beneath the snow I stood for my beliefs and fell with honor A name with no heir, shall it vanish in the wind? I pray I didn’t cause you to die a second time [Chorus] Like you before me Like your father before you I shall carry our legacy forward I hope to make you proud