I once was there, with Harald in the good days
That man was legendary, truly iron hard
I was a proud Varangian, living in harm's way
For nine years hiring my sword to Miklagaard
♪
Harald, Harald
Harald Hardráda
Harald, Harald
Harald Hardráda
He came from Norway, determined and demanding
He took his right place at the Guard's highest command
We struck our shields for him and came to understanding
When Harald spoke we held our peace and axe in hand
I sailed from Svitjod across the open oceans
To earn a solid reputation in the east
As bodyguard prepared to die without emotion
The pricе to pay, to keep the Emperor pleasеd
We northmen in a bond of men
We marched to hell and back again
The only things within our ken
Was bravery and honor, then
The oath of our warring band
Was more than most can understand
For it grew strong in frozen lands
And Heimdall sealed the vow forever
Harald, Harald
Harald Hardráda
Harald, Harald
Harald Hardráda
We showed the world the function of the dane-axe
We were the first to break into the burning fray
The Romans heckled us as imperial wine sacks
But still they waited for the Norse to clear the way
For every year in imperial service
We earned another sixty gold coins for our work
We made both emperors and enemies feel nervous
The bloody labor in the danger has that perk
First to combat, first to fight
And first to drink throughout the nights
But discipline was always tight
The throne was ever in our sights
With golden cups and royal wine
A ruby red as blood would shine
Adorning the left ear of mine
The guardian bond could not be severed
♪
I sailed back home when Harald was imprisoned
For I was tired of the Romans and the sun
My scars and memories both fade before my vision
As old and tired I think back at things I've done
Harald became king, that was only devising
But he died in England and that I did not foresee
That he was hard might not be all surprising
But did you know he was a hero onto me?
We northmen in a bond of men
We marched to hell and back again
The only things within our ken
Was bravery and honor, then
The oath of our warring band
Was more than most can understand
For it grew strong in frozen lands
And Heimdall sealed the vow forever
With golden cups and royal wine
A ruby red as blood would shine
Adorning the left ear of mine
The guardian bond could not be severed
Harald, Harald
Harald Hardráda
Harald, Harald
Harald Hardráda