Brother Michael's Song

Mac Carson

Brother Michael's Song

By Mac Carson
Lyrics posted with permission of the author

Brother Michael is my name I forsook wealth, power and fame
To serve my god within these monastery walls
Here I lived in joy and peace
My soul from worldly sins released
Until a Viking raider's sword ended it all

Chorus
There can be only one
But as long as I stand on holy ground
There will be two, no winner be found
And never will

Though my wounds were grievous sore
Enough to kill five men or more
Still I lived while others died and I grew well
My brothers praised our Lord above
For this sure sign of His love
But was this gift from Him or a subtle trap from Hell

Chorus

Out of the dawn the stranger came
His face and blade not matching his name
Telling me of this long played game, of gift and rules
Though he spoke with wit and style
Was it the truth or the devil's wiles
Until I know I 'll not break my vows and play the fool

Chorus

To give my life up willingly
Would damn my soul for eternity
And my vows prevent my taking up the sword
Within these sacred walls I 'll stay
Until the coming of Judgment Day
Or until I know we immortals serve my Lord

Chorus

The Kurgan stands outside my door
As he has so often before
Taunting me and seeking to prick me in my pride
But with my brothers safe behind stone
I 'll leave him standing out there along
To tire of ranting and go away like the tide

Chorus

As I live my endless days
The world outside changes its ways
Men now sail beneath the seas and in the sky
Where our faith did rule supreme
That is now an ancient dream
And accountants decide which churches live or die

Chorus

The village children now go away
Rome says we cost too much to stay
The priests now come my ancient home to desanctify
All these years I 've guard well
Trying to save the world from Hell
All for naught as the Kurgan's laugh rings loud outside

There can be only one
But as long as I stand on holy ground
There will be two, no winner be found
And never will

There can be only one
But as long as I stand on holy ground
There will be two, no winner be found
And never will
And never will
Unless god wills

In the final chorus the first three lines are more emphatic than in the earlier choruses. In the last three lines there is a fading off in acceptance and a slowing on the last line.