Iron by the River

[Verse 1]
Snow in the birchwood
Bootprints in black mud
Father kept the old vow
Under a winter moon

I heard the wolf-call
Over the river ice
Names carved in ashwood
I wore them like a knife

[Pre-Chorus]
Now the ground shakes
Now the crows rise
I can feel the old fire
Wake in my bones

[Chorus]
Hold the iron line
Hold the iron line
We are not done here
We are not done

Hold the iron line
Hold the iron line
Blood in the earth
And thunder in our throat

[Verse 2]
Mothers by the fire
Singing through the smoke
Hands full of flour dust
Eyes full of rain

Brother in the doorway
Spear on his shoulder
He said, "When the dark comes
We stand our name"

[Pre-Chorus]
Now the ground shakes
Now the crows rise
I can hear the old drums
Calling me home

[Chorus]
Hold the iron line
Hold the iron line
We are not done here
We are not done

Hold the iron line
Hold the iron line
Blood in the earth
And thunder in our throat

[Bridge]
If I fall tonight
Bury me upright
Face to the east wind
Let the pine trees know

I was made for this
I was made for fire
I was made to sing
With a broken jaw

[Final Chorus]
Hold the iron line
Hold the iron line
We are not done here
We are not done

Hold the iron line
Hold the iron line
Blood in the earth
And thunder in our throat