Ruina Imperii Lyrics
I don't know Swedish, but knowing English and German (and commons sense, he-he) allows me to mostly get what's going on. What a beautiful song... It certainly carries the sadness and despair of a shattered dream and a defeated kingdom. "Hårda tider" indeed... I feel like learning Swedish now.
Also, "Ruina Imperii" sounds more Russian than Latin... or is it just me? :P
A beautiful song indeed. It is about the Swedish army returning home after the death of Charles XII (Karl XII in Swedish). He died during the seige of Halden, a part of his failed attempt to invade Norway. The king was shot in the side of his head when he visited the the soldiers digging trenches, inspiring them.
This event put an end to what in Sweden is referred to as "The Era of Great Power" and meant the death of one of the most charismatic Swedish kings of all time. If you want an interesting read, you should look in to Charles XII and his military conquests during the Great Nordic War.
The song tells a sad story of the fear and dispair in a war-torn country as well as an uncertainty about the future.