We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

The Arizona Sword

from Avalon is Risen by Leslie Fish

supported by
littleblackbird
littleblackbird thumbnail
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    CD with Leslie's lyrics and liner notes. Custom booklet designed by Bradley Schenck.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Avalon is Risen via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 3 days

      $16 USD or more 

     

  • Full Digital Discography

    5
    releases

    Get all 5 Leslie Fish releases available on Bandcamp and save 30%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Angel with a Sword, Sea of Dreams, Not the Way to Get Laid, Avalon is Risen (The Retro Filk Mix), and Avalon is Risen. , and , .

    Purchasable with gift card

      $25.90 USD or more (30% OFF)

     

about

I couldn’t tell you the provenance of this local legend that I wrote up and put to music. It seems to date from Conquistador days, which would put it somewhere before 1690, but it also contains sentiments that seem distinctly post-Revolutionary.

Then again, the Pueblo Indian tribes who threw out Spanish rule in the Great Pueblo Revolt of 1680 had a lot of similar ideas, so the legend really could be that old. You can get a truly amazing view of history by asking the Indians about their side of the story.

lyrics

“Blacksmith, make a sword for me, such as none did ever see,
For ancient symbols of majesty have power in troubled times.
Blacksmith, make me a magic sword, one that will make me the valley’s lord
Whom folk will hail with one accord to save them from their crimes.

Seeing he would not be deterred, the blacksmith took him at his word
And pondered long on what he’d heard about this would-be lord.
He pumped the fire and he made his start, melted iron in the fire’s heart,
But he named the steel with an older art the Arizona Sword.

He chanted words to the blazing mix, of ancient Red Men’s and White Men’s tricks
To draw a spirit, and purpose fix in what the blade would feel:
The iron laws from Nature’s hand, the ruthless will of the desert land,
The freedom no one can command – and cast that thought in steel.

And when the blacksmith’s work was done, the new sword gleamed like the setting sun.
All down the blade did the old runes run, a warning plain to see.
The steel was grained like the finest wood. A full yard long and more it stood.
The runes read: “I serve but the good of life and liberty.”

Near the hilt, set in copper wire, a phoenix rose up from the pyre.
A copper star within the fire rayed out copper cords.
The grip was like a saguaro made that clasped a moon in quartz and jade.
In truth, like to no other blade was the Arizona Sword.

“Blacksmith, well have ye served my cause. This shall aid me to make the laws.
Hmmm, the guards are shaped like cougar’s paws; in truth, like none I’ve seen.
The price is steep, but I shall not carp. She’ll sing more praise than a minstrel’s harp.
Ye gods, that blade is razor-sharp! ...For a symbol, very keen.”

“And cheap she'll be if I strike ye dead!” The blacksmith promptly turned and fled.
The lordling laughed and shrugged instead, and went out to meet his horde.
He cried out: “This is the day foretold. Just one hand now this land shall hold,
For in this sign will I rule. Behold, the Arizona Sword.”

“No more argument shall we find, but all hereafter shall be inclined
To just one purpose and just one mind. Thus do I mean to do.
Now go ye forth, and take the land.” The sword heard well his first command.
She lunged and twisted in his hand, and fell, and ran him through.

They say the sword vanished clean away, for none has heard of it since that day,
But seek it wisely, and find ye may. Take care, who would be lord.
Beware, ye tyrant! Beware, ye fool! For who is the master and who the tool?
Ye may well serve, but ye shall not rule the Arizona Sword

credits

from Avalon is Risen, released June 10, 2012
Margaret Davis: backing vocals
Kristoph Klover: backing vocals, chanting, electric bass, electric guitar & percussion
Beth Milne: French horn
Kevin White: backing vocals

Blacksmith hammer recorded live by Kristoph Klover at Ardenwood Farm

Song © 1996 Leslie Fish

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Leslie Fish image

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

contact / help

Contact Leslie Fish

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Leslie Fish, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Saxophonist Isaiah Collier chats about his new LP and the influence of Pharoah Sanders.
listen now