Ring Of Gold Lyrics
Woe, mist, the breath of the dragon, sweeping down mountain side
All still, the day asleep, the sun rests in nest of the Gods
Afar high adventures await me, I hear my brothers calling
The endless sky and open sea
I will sail where the Raven will lead me
Fly on black wings, high and free
I shall return with the wind the day
From high adventures, swelling sail
Autumn red comes to Asa bay
From deep within the great mountain towering to the sky
I will be awaiting you coming down treading the trails of clues
Bare feet, let your hair down like the mist across the pond
When earth and shy was first divided
A star did fall into river deep
A star of gold into silvery water
While I sail, by this you shall remember me
Wear it, yours forever to keep
To bind us beyond end of time, to thee I give a ring of gold
A very evocative piece, full of rich imagery. I think the meaning is quite clear - it's the story of a viking warrior's romance with a lady, who has to part with her because springtime has come, teh flords are opening and the men prepare to sail to war. Before he leaves, he arranges to meet her by "the well..." in order to propose marriage. Presumably she says "yes", because what kind of stone-hearted woman would resist such an eloquent proposal?
Asa Bay is a location that Bathory has previously covered in their song "One Road to Asa Bay". In this song, they talk about cultural identity, religious imposition and the difficulties that can arise when traditions conflict. Asa Bay is one of the places where the Vikings' "Dragon ships" often sail to other lands. In the song One Road to Asa Bay, the feeling of loss and resistance to change are presented to us with the clash of old traditions against a new belief (Christianity).
In the song Ring of Gold, Bathory provides details as if they are telling us the background of the stories of our heroes in One Road to Asa Bay. Their relationship with nature, their devotion to their religion (using imagery such as the raven, the endless sky and the open sea) and their adventurous spirit are conveyed to us through words. At the same time, their devotion to their loved ones is represented by a gold ring that will survive even beyond time.
Wow, I have never really been into Bathory but this song is unreal. What beautiful lyrics, beautiful music, and it leaves such a nice feeling behind.
Hmm, most of Bathory's music is pretty accessible lyrically but I still find a lot to analyze or at least discuss in each of their songs. For this song, however, I think it is very straightforward - it is a love song, and a pretty nice one at that. I love the imagery, I think of that Quorthon was a master and truly could wrap you up in the worlds that he dreamed of. Whether you dislike his musical style, his singing voice, or whatever - I think it is hard to disagree that this is a downright lovely song.
I won't cheapen this with my typical (over-) analysis because it really does speak for itself; nothing needs to be explained to appreciate this one.
Hail the hordes.