So, guys I appreciate your memories of revolutionary war terms, but in almost every other way the term No Quarter is used to describe an army not giving any mercy nor taking any surrender. This puts the song in a whole new light, if using the Viking or War perspective that Clemth posted. It could be about the fear of approaching death via an army that holds 'no quarter'.
A much more light-hearted view on these lyrics is that the song is a bard singing for his own people's army, praising their courage for braving the cold to bring a message, while holding (or their enemies holding) no quarter.
Also, in my opinion, the line "They carry steel that's bright and true" should be "tried and true", and you tell me which one sounds better (and synonomously the one Robert would use).
So, guys I appreciate your memories of revolutionary war terms, but in almost every other way the term No Quarter is used to describe an army not giving any mercy nor taking any surrender. This puts the song in a whole new light, if using the Viking or War perspective that Clemth posted. It could be about the fear of approaching death via an army that holds 'no quarter'.
A much more light-hearted view on these lyrics is that the song is a bard singing for his own people's army, praising their courage for braving the cold to bring a message, while holding (or their enemies holding) no quarter.
Also, in my opinion, the line "They carry steel that's bright and true" should be "tried and true", and you tell me which one sounds better (and synonomously the one Robert would use).
@Starren “they carry steel that’s light and new.” The song is about aluminum used in the new quarter
@Starren “they carry steel that’s light and new.” The song is about aluminum used in the new quarter