Summon the spirits, call up the clans
From every region, the branded man
From dexter to sinester a ship's sail unfurled
Out from the centre a serpent curled
Emblems and ensigns, badges and banners
Winning your spurs is all that matters
In this great arena, their trials begin
Flesh and bone, to strive and to win
And wage their war
Signs, symbols - we are the signs
Signs, symbols - we signify
Swearing obedience when passions run high
Taking the bloodfeud unto the grave and into the next life!
Well you can fly the flag, you can beat the drum
You can stand your ground 'til the kingdom come
Will you prevail, will you be hanged
By signs, symbols and the marks of man?
Some see the sun of the moon as a token
Worship the cross, burning or broken
Patriotism, a virtue so vicious
Chauvinism, a creed so malicious
Do we burn this land along tribal lines
With brethren fighting their own kin and kind?
And now when "tribe" means the language of war
It's an endless cycle of revenge and remorse
And so it goes on
And so it goes on
Well you can fly the flag, you can beat the drum
You can stand your ground 'til the kingdom come
Will you prevail, will you be hanged
By signs, symbols and the marks of man?
You can beat your chest as you take the field
Bare your teeth as the women grieve
Will you be saved or will you be hanged
By signs, symbols and the marks of man?
Will you be spared, will you be damned
By signs, symbols and the marks of man?