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 Challenger

from Avalon is Risen by Leslie Fish

/

  • 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 dreamed this up, literally, during a long dreary fever while reading a lot of books by Joseph Campbell. Any resemblance to various myths is purely intentional.

lyrics

When I was a child I dreamed – but they weren’t dreams at all –
Of far-off lands, of far-off times, watching kingdoms rise and fall.
Other bodies and names I had, but always the same work to do:
Always artisan, warrior, witch. I never thought the dreams were true.

Slowly through the years I learned: hands that ached to hold a pen,
A rebel soul no orders held, and vision into minds of men.
At last I read in an ancient book, and saw what I had always known.
Then I knew that the dreams were true; the tale it told was once my own.

Why do I come circling back? Slowly did the memories clear
Of ancient wars, of friends and foes, but never of my purpose here.
Still I sharpened my three-fold skills for use in some unknown game,
Only knowing that, age upon age, my enemy was still the same.

Patterns that repeat, I see. Faster through the world they skew.
The stars come right, the Fates take flight, and all the myths and dreams come true!
Whatever battle the gods prepare, for artistry, for weapons or for mind,
There I haste, for the answer waits: the purpose I was born to find.

Then I saw the armies march, saw him raise his power high.
He preached: “Obey!” He practiced: “Rule!” and fattened on the ancient lie.
His wheedling words, his mystic might, his ultimately iron hand,
His promised hell – I know them well. Finally, I understand.

Master of the secret dark, are you so surprised to see
The ancient foe you should well know, come to spoil your victory?
Is your memory worse than mine? Or wouldn’t you believe that it was true?
But I have hunted the ages down, fated to come after you!

credits

from Avalon is Risen, released June 10, 2012
Kristoph Klover: backing vocals, drums & percussion
Nada Lewis: accordion
Beth Milne: French horn
Mark Ungar: upright bass
Kevin White: backing vocals

Song © 1984 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

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now