The Accolade

At break of dawn the tidings spread, From mouth to mouth the words are said. What black ink marks upon the page Now fills the streets from stage to stage. The Empire marks us for the blade, A band of foes its edicts made. The highest honor now is ours; We sing it from the city towers. Who rules the world without a fear won’t threaten those he thinks too weak to fear. But he who doubts the power he claims needs the word “threat” to hide his shame. Raise your cups and pour once more, Today we feast as ne’er before! They list us Birds, a hunted band, On scrolls of black throughout the land. Raise your cups and sing with me: The Birds fly higher, wild and free! They fear the Birds they cannot bring down, So let us soar beyond their crown! Raise your cups, this is our day: The Emperor grants us THE ACCOLADE! They write our names for all to see, But soon our songs will roam more free. They say the danger’s drawing near; We fill our cups and drink good cheer. We toast so hard the tables shake, As though they’d granted us an estate. And when the news rides far away, We’ll be in flight before the day. Who rules the world without a fear won’t threaten those he thinks too weak to fear. But he who doubts the power he claims needs the word “threat” to hide his shame. Raise your cups and pour once more, Today we feast as ne’er before! They list us Birds, a hunted band, On scrolls of black throughout the land. Raise your cups and sing with me: The Birds fly higher, wild and free! They fear the Birds they cannot bring down, So let us soar beyond their crown! Raise your cups, this is our day: The Emperor grants us THE ACCOLADE! The fearless hold the world in hand And leave the powerless where they stand. But those unsure of their own might Must name a threat to sleep at night. They fear the Birds they cannot bring down; We’ll fly beyond their reach and crown. No one can stand against our flight; They’ve come too late to stop us tonight. We reached these heights without a knee Bowed down before His Majesty. Who would have thought, beneath the sun, THE EMPEROR MADE US DEATHLESS, EVERY ONE! Now sing it loud, our victory: THE BIRDS WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY! Raise your cups and pour once more, Today we feast as ne’er before! They list us Birds, a hunted band, On scrolls of black throughout the land. Raise your cups and sing with me: The Birds fly higher, wild and free! They fear the Birds they cannot bring down, So let us soar beyond their crown! Raise your cups, this is our day: The Emperor grants us THE ACCOLADE! Raise your cups and pour once more, Today we feast as ne’er before! They list us Birds, a hunted band, On scrolls of black throughout the land. Raise your cups and sing with me: The Birds fly higher, wild and free! They fear the Birds they cannot bring down, So let us soar beyond their crown! Raise your cups, this is our day: The whole world grants us THE ACCOLADE!