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Brother Michael's Song

from Angel with a Sword by Leslie Fish

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about

A Highlander song, amenable to some really beautiful harmonies on the chorus, especially when sung by a room full of fans. I’m still wondering how the immortal monk got out of this one.

lyrics

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.

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.

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.

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 alone
To tire of ranting and go away like the tide.

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.

The village children now go away.
Rome says we cost too much to stay.
The priests now come my ancient home to de-sanctify.
All these years I’ve guarded 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.

© Mac Carson, 1990

credits

from Angel with a Sword, released September 2, 2022

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about

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Leslie Fish Phoenix, Arizona

If there's one name that's practically synonymous with filk (Science Fiction folk music), it's Leslie Fish. Leslie has written literally hundreds of songs covering almost every subject, from the space program ("Hope Eyrie"), to Star Trek ("Banned From Argo") to urban life, history, and space fantasy ("Carmen Miranda's Ghost"). ... more

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