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Shadowland

by Joe Covenant

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1.
(chorus) Come with me, Oh Come with me, down to the longboats by the sea. Sail to face our enemy, in the longboats by the sea. We sing of all our conquests and brag our battle scars. We all are sons of Odin and we’re brothers all of Thor! And others have their ancestors but so do beasts and dogs. We fear no Foe - Because we know we’re children of our Gods! (singing) (chorus) We laugh and distant journeys, nor care how far we go. The further that we are from home, the nearer to our foe! Our mighty swords and axes and hammers make them fall - and demons slay - until the day Valhalla claims us all! (singing) (chorus) We’ve battled with the Bloodmoon and allied with the Bears. There’s no-one who can face us for there’s none who bloody dare! So heed us all you foe men and cry not for your dead. You’ll meet them soon - we’ll send you on - they’ve only gone ahead! (singing) (chorus x2 to end)
2.
We came from the North and we came from the Highlands. We lived for our brothers and honoured our gods. Travelled the world – now home is an island. Fianna our family and blood is our bond. (chorus) Here in the land of shadows, here in this Shadowland. Here in the land of shadows, here in the Shadowlands. The home that we knew is home now no longer. Its blasted and bleached by the long winter sun. The days here are broken – the light turns to darkness. This island is not where we used to belong. (chorus) The sun will cast light on unfamiliar mountains. Our shadows will fall upon earth that is new. New Orkneyjar waits – we will breath life upon it and walk upon land that the Gods alone knew. (chorus) So what is a home? Is it water and soil? Can land or possessions bring meaning or faith? Our home it will always be where we are gathered, our Home is Fianna – no matter the place. (Chorus x2 to end.)
3.
Captain Kees 02:37
There was a man, a Soder man, with shield and hammer in his hands, wandered far across the land and settled in this place. He had a lust for valour bold. A deep desire to harvest gold, - mostly he just had an odd expression on his face. (chorus) Kees, Kees, Captain Kees! Tough but fair – you’ll find that he’s the one you want in front of you when faeces hits the the fan. Kees, Kees, Captain Kees! Hard as nails or ancient cheese! Want a wall to stop them all? Our Captain is the man! Tarantulas are scared of him. Lions greet him with a grin. Wolves slope off and cower. with their tails between their legs. Bears give out admiring roars. He boots Vipers out the door. Jackals think they’re dogs of war - He makes them sit and beg! (chorus) And so be sure when he’s about, you’re always nicely kitted out. Always do be certain there’s no rust upon your mail! Otherwise, make no mistake, will be the last one that you make, as he buries deeply, his right foot into your tail! (chorus x2) Want a wall to stop them all? Our Captain is the man!
4.
The Longships (free) 04:00
We do not fear the longships, we’ve seen longships before That sailed here from the northlands and hauled their boats to shore They brought with them the music, the language and the lore Burned their boats and stayed here on our island It’s midday in the wintertime before the moon grows pale The winter suns are very long, the storm winds and the gales The midnight sun is distant as the calling of the whales Till springtime comes again to paint our island The grey seal and the otter, the salmon and the tern The land fowl and the sea trout and the free birds of the air The shepherd and the farmer and all within their care Harmonise the music of our island Now we did not fear the longships until Lord Satûn came With armies from the plains of death to steal our souls away But one thing that was certain we'd fight him come what may Fight him for the freedom of our island Now as if the seas had realised the tragedy in store The waves rose up in anger and before a week or more Most of his men were washed away and never reached the shore And the sea regained his temper round our island So let this be a warning to all whose foolish greed Would bring them to our shorelines and not our warnings heed The sea is our protector, provider for our need The jealous guard and keeper of our island We do not fear the longships, we’ve seen longships before that sailed here from the northlands and hauled their boats to shore They brought with them the music, the language and the lore Burned their boats and died here for our island
5.
(chorus) Fear us! – We are Odin’s Children! Watch our fire burn the sky! Leave the field -Flee the battle! Stay and you will surely die! (repeat) Steel on flesh and blood on metal, hammers fall to shatter bones! Perish all who stand against us! Take their land and burn their home! There are none who can defeat us! Many tried – but all have failed! Fear and panic overawe them when they see the Longships sail! (choris) See what will be loosed upon you - Spears of women – Swords of men! Axes, lances, bows and hammers send you to your gods again! Call them ‘fool’ who stand before us, only fools would dare to stay! Run and hide where none can follow and you may survive this day! (chorus) Who are we to dare defeat you? Who are we to lay you low? Who are we to send you running? Who – The undesired foe? We - the Ragh Hrafen Fianna! Fighters bold and warriors all! Rally at the will of Odin! Rally to the raven’s call! (chorus x2 to end )
6.
I am cooled by the motion of a passing breeze, there are few days remembered have been fine as these. And this tree gives me shelter from the open sky, but I am merely mortal and all men must die. It was cowardice and treachery that laid me low, who had not steel or bravery to face their foe. For they took me with poison painted to the blade, leaving darkness and venom moving through my veins. In these last passing moments ‘neath the fading sun, I recall all the battles and the deeds I’ve done, But the proudest of moments I have met today, saving you from a kinsman to deny the fates. Do not grieve for me Jacob, this was meant to be, tho’ the death that was stalking you has taken me. Now you’ll grow to be Captain and to lead your men but it’s hard to believe we shall not meet again. Now the circle’s completed and the cause is won. You will come into Manhood as your Father’s son. Now our lives are forever with our fates entwined. For we are merely mortal and all men must die. Now I feel life within me ebbing fast away and I know I’ll be leaving ere the close of day, I have died at a coward’s hands, a lonely fate, for it bars me forever from Valhalla’s gate. If I’m gone faithful Tegid, you must go alone, bury me where you find me, do not take me home. I will sit here and turn my face towards the sky, for I am merely mortal and all men must die. We remember you Lachlan and await the day we will fight for your spirit and to Odin pray it will soar to Valhalla, blaze across the sky, for we are merely mortal and all men must die. We are all merely mortal and all men… Must die.
7.
Come drink with me my brothers and brag on tales of old. Let mead flow like water, 'til the embers all are cold. Our hearts to despondency we never will submit. We live and die by Odin’s will and sae will we yet! (chorus) sae will we yet, oh and sae will we yet. We live and die by Odin’s will and sae will we yet! Oh our women are the finest the world has ever known. Our children turn to warriors, our enemies to bones. Our hammers raised in anger bring ruin where they hit. We live and die by Odin’s will and sae will we yet! (chorus) Take my sword from out its scabbard and my axe from off the wall! We’re aye the first to battle when we hear the raven’s call! The more there is to plunder the richer we will get! We live and die by Odin’s will and sae will we yet! (chorus) Give us meat to fill our bellies and mead to fill our heads And guile to fool our enemies and swords to make them dead! When we come in to Valhalla with the bravest we will sit. We live and die by Odin's will and sae will we yet! (chorus) (1st verse repeats) (chorus x2 to end)
8.
Taken to Darkness (free) 05:51
Oh look to the east, can you see the sun rising? It looks like a sun, never risen before. For the light it is dim, and no warmth emanating. It gives little comfort, to this pallid earth. It seems only hours, yet feels like forever, since Anders and Einer walked here among men. It’s hard to believe when your heart cannot bear it, we never shall look on their faces again. (chorus) Until this world ends, we will remember them, comrades and friends who have fallen today. It’s sad in the telling, but tales must be spoken and we should recall all our glorious dead, who’ve fought and have taken the road to Valhalla, to join all our Fathers who’ve gone on ahead. Oh, Einar was bold and a strong line commander. His battles were many and bested by none, for years he had led us, but sad to discover, it took but a moment and Einar was gone. (chorus) A gate to the void opened up in our clearing, spilled countless foul beasts like some dark hellish maw! With steel and with venom they struck at our people, took women and children and slaughtered them all. A flash of sharp movement, to quickly to follow, the wolf that was Anders leapt high in the air. Beset from all sides he dropped into the battle. He rent and he tore them where no man would dare. (chorus) The demons were beaten, but bold in their numbers, and turned to the wolf, as the wolf faced them all, and Anders stood firm, but the void overwhelmed him, he lay still and senseless as death on the floor. Now Einar stepped forward, to take the fight to them, the men of his company, stood at his heel. With cries to the gods and with curses to demons, he summoned his courage and loosened his steel. (chorus) He stood over Anders, his body protecting, from demon and venom and shadow, but then the void took his senses and Anders and Einar were taken to darkness and not seen again. So take heed all you Norsemen and Wolves within hearing. Remember your fallen who’ve gone from our sight and think on the fate, befell Anders and Einar, we wish to greet Odin, but wish not to die. (chorus x2 to end)
9.
We set our sails and hauled our oars, Heading for the Gods alone know where, In the Whales' wake we left our shores, Heading for the Gods know where. We steered the wind that Asgard sent, Heading for the Gods alone know where, The waves did rage without relent, Heading for the Gods alone know where. So heave me heroes, heave and haul, Valhalla hails thee one and all. The crash of foam crest foamed and flowed, Heading for the Gods alone know where, The hail and hoar frost hacked our crew, Heading for the Gods alone know where. The albatrosses in the sky, Heading for the Gods alone know where, Like Valkieries where the vanquished lie, Heading for the Gods alone know where. So heave me heroes, heave and haul, Valhalla hails thee one and all. The seas turned black as boiling tar Heading for the Gods alone know where And the shadow shrouds obscured our star Heading for the Gods alone know where The mighty Midgard serpent’s tail, Heading for the Gods alone know where, It churned the sea up like a flail, Heading for the Gods alone know where. So haul me heroes, heave and haul Valhalla hails thee one and all We set our sails and hauled our oars, Heading for the Gods alone know where, In the Whales' wake we left our shores, Heading for the Gods know where. As if was destiny was planned Heading for the Gods alone know where Eventually we sighted land Heading for the Gods alone know where So heave me heroes, heave and haul, Valhalla hails thee one and all. So heave me heroes, heave and haul, Valhalla hails thee one and all.
10.
Dante Childe (free) 05:18
The ship 'Era Palma' brought him to our land, and with him Lord Konstantine came, in search of a woman, was hated by all - Ophelia Callisto, her name. Her men fell up on them, left Konstantine slain, beset them with metal and stone Left him for dead – Friendless, he bled – Alone. (chorus) (and we cry for…) ...the soul that was Dante, to the Gods who protect us we call, that his spirit will join the All-Father, as this Childe was a father to all. Now Palanor came, before death could hold sway, and brought him to Lantia’s plains. The men of the Mirror-Shield hailed him as one and Captain of them he became. A promise he swore – till that Callisto whore lay dead at his feet in the sand He was a Lion – and with them all – he’d stand. (chorus) (so we’ll strive for…) Now the nations had gathered, our spirits were high, and bright as the summer came on. We sat by the fire, with stars as our light, he joined us in laughter and song. The mead had run empty, the ale had all gone, he left then to bring us his hoard, Never returned – now for his name - we burn. (chorus) (so we’ll fight for) Tho’ the man that we called Dante Childe is no more – his memory will always live on. We swear to the Gods, his assassins will pay, and vengeance be ours, e’re long. A friend to the lonely, a leader of men, a Lion both loyal and strong. And even in death – no Lion stands… Alone. (Chorus) (So we sing for…) x2 ...as this Childe was a Father to all, as this Childe was a Father to all.
11.
Sail Away, From waves that can threaten A darkening sky. Sail Away, From ebony waters Where Demi-Gods lie. We call for the old one who lies there asleep, The undying power that rules all the deep. We beg you to hear us, we ask you to heed, To punish our enemies - break and to bleed. Turn and fly, lest you fear not to die Or the Kraken will soon drag you down. Turn and fly, lest you fear not to die Or the Kraken will soon drag you down. Sail Away, From that whom the knowing Respectfully fear. Sail Away, Or stay and prepare to lose All you hold dear. The Kraken awakes and your vessel is gone. No prayer will save you, no ancestral song. Your lives are now forfeit upon the dark waves. Beneath the wine oceans, your water graves. Turn and fly, lest you fear not to die Or the Kraken will soon drag you down. Turn and fly, lest you fear not to die Or the Kraken will soon drag you down. (repeat to end)
12.
Arrrr!! 02:44
Now sailors bold – both young and old, Can journey long and far! But even if – they’re cast adrift Pirates they say Arrr! (ARRR!) Pirates they say Arrr! There’s Blackbeard, Bluebeard, Yellowbeard. We all know who they are! And with Long John and Cutthroat Jake (as) Pirates they say Arrr! (ARRR!) Pirates they say Arrr! (Chorus) This be – The life for me! Taking plunder from the sea! For we are and always be, Pirates who say Arrr! (ARRR!) Pirates who say Arrr! A sailor’s known as many things, A Salt, A Jack, A Tar! But secretly, they long to be. Pirates who say Arrr! (ARRR!) Pirates who say Arrr! They croon a shanty, dance a jig, or strum on their guitar But underneath a blood-red moon Pirates they say Arrr! (ARRR!) Pirates they say Arrr! (chorus) So when afloat, you see a boat, display Jolly Rog-AR! It’s certain you’re about to meet (those) Pirates who say Arrr! (ARRR!) Pirates who say Arrr! So set your sail and turn your tail, lay course by any star! And flee as though your life depends (from) Pirates who say Arrr! (ARRR!) Pirates who say Arrr! (chorus x 2 to end)
13.
We came from the North and we came from the Highlands. We lived for our brothers and honoured our gods. Travelled the world – now home is an island. Fianna our family and blood is our bond. (chorus) Here in the land of shadows, here in this Shadowland. Here in the land of shadows, here in the Shadowlands. The home that we knew is home now no longer. Its blasted and bleached by the long winter sun. The days here are broken – the light turns to darkness. This island is not where we used to belong. (chorus) The sun will cast light on unfamiliar mountains. Our shadows will fall upon earth that is new. New Orkneyjar waits – we will breath life upon it and walk upon land that the Gods alone knew. (chorus) So what is a home? Is it water and soil? Can land or possessions bring meaning or faith? Our home it will always be where we are gathered, our Home is Fianna – no matter the place. (Chorus x2 to end.)
14.
Come drink with me my brothers and brag on tales of old. Let mead flow like water, 'til the embers all are cold. Our hearts to despondency we never will submit. We live and die by Odin’s will and sae will we yet! (chorus) sae will we yet, oh and sae will we yet. We live and die by Odin’s will and sae will we yet! Oh our women are the finest the world has ever known. Our children turn to warriors, our enemies to bones. Our hammers raised in anger bring ruin where they hit. We live and die by Odin’s will and sae will we yet! (chorus) Take my sword from out its scabbard and my axe from off the wall! We’re aye the first to battle when we hear the raven’s call! The more there is to plunder the richer we will get! We live and die by Odin’s will and sae will we yet! (chorus) Give us meat to fill our bellies and mead to fill our heads And guile to fool our enemies and swords to make them dead! When we come in to Valhalla with the bravest we will sit. We live and die by Odin's will and sae will we yet! (chorus) (1st verse repeats) (chorus x2 to end)

about

Where to start...

This is a L.A.R.P album. (Hence the name Jøsef Lambsen!)
If you don't know what LARP is, look it up!

Every track on this album relates to the place that myself and my fake family inhabit as the 'Ragh Hrafen Fianna', as part of a larger world.

Each track has it's own particular story (check the individual tracks for a brief run down of them!) relating to the histories of characters from that world.

This ENTIRE album was recorded in my living room, usually between 1am-5am. Some of the louder tracks I was able to do during the day! But, the whole thing was recorded using a Quickshot ™ Mic! This is only occasionally apparent however!

One day, soon-ish, I shall re-record the whole thing!

Anyway...

Switch off your mind, think back to a time in history that never truly existed, and enjoy the exploits, lives, loves and occasional deaths of myself and my fake Viking family!

"Strength in Fellowship!" - Jøsef Lambsen

This album would not have been written had it not been for the persistence of some, the patience of others and the family that is the Ragh Hrafen Fianna. Thanks must also go to the Wolves and Lions factions for some stories and inspiration.

Thanks to Lisa, Chris and Rachel. All Fianna past, present and future, Help gratefully received from Charlotte (violin) and Chris for the word 'Raven' in The Bragging Song.

credits

released June 12, 2007

Jøsef plays:
Ibanez PF60CENT1202 'semi' acoustic guitar.
Bodhrán
Vocal Chords

Special tiny appearance by Charlotte on Violin
Dog by Sam (the dog!)

1 Down to the Longboats
2 Shadowland (Farewell to Orkneyjar)
3 Captain Kees
4 The Longships*
5 Odin's Children
6 Lachlan's Lament
7 The Bragging Song**
8 Taken to Darkness
9 The Gods Alone Know Where***
10 Dante Childe
11 The Kraken Awakes
12 Arrrr!!
13 Shadowland (Fianna Mix)
14 The Bragging Song (The Broken Drum Mix)**

All tracks written by Joe 'Covenant' Lamb except:

* - McTell/Allcock - Based on a 'Chilled Mead' arr.
** - Tune 'Sae Will We Yet' - Walter Watson/Tony Cuffe (ca. 1854)
*** - (Aka Voyage to Vinland) (trad/Lamb)

Software used: VST Host ('Cheese Machine', 'Mellosound' and 'String Theory' plug-ins)
Sonic Foundry-Sound Forge
Cubase
Sony CD Architect
Acoustica mixcraft
Paint Shop Pro
Terragen

All artwork by Joe Lamb.
'Jøsef Lambsen' photo by Simon Corbett




This album is dedicated to the memory of my Father, and to Molly, with love.

"...until this world ends, we will remember them..."

-

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Some rights reserved. Please refer to individual track pages for license info.

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