The Tyrant’s Wish                                                 Lyrics: Chris Lain. Song: Bob Hamilton

Riding north by day and night
Miles to go before they reach the keep
Their sanctuary to keep them safe
Above the river wild and deep

How hard … was the way to the northland
How deep … did they dwell on their deed
Were they glad … to have done the king’s bidding
The priest died for his creed

The raven asks what have they done
He knows the answer though they do not speak
The blood they shed will stain their days
The priest who turned the other cheek

You said… you came only to parley
You said… that you planned no foul deed
But your rage brought death to the altar
Where Becket did bleed

Those around the king seek to impress him
Prove loyalty far deeper than the rest
To rid him of this priest became their duty
Their noble quest

The sword’s cold hiss and poison’s kiss
Down the ages, this has been the way
Even now, the tyrant’s wish
Condemns all those who stand against their sway

We know… that the word is not spoken
We know… that the motive is clear
But we see… that their will is unbroken
In the face of all fear

In our times these stories still unfolding
Voices speaking truth to power stilled
Pay heed to the truth that they are holding
That their hopes be fulfilled