The Last Emperor

The final days of his life, the emperor of Byzantium Constantine XI Palaiologos heroically defended Constantinople against the Ottoman siege of 1453. Despite his pleas for aid, the city was doomed. On the night before the final assault, he prayed at Hagia Sophia and bid farewell to his companions. On May 29, he fought bravely on the walls, refusing to abandon his people, before falling in battle. His death made him a legend, a symbol of courage and self-sacrifice. [Verse 1] The walls of Byzantium stand tall and proud, A kingdom defiant, a voice in the crowd. The banners of crimson, they dance in the sky, As darkness descends and the winds start to cry. [Pre-Chorus] Through fire and steel, through thunder and rain, One man remains, unbroken by pain. A sword in his hand, a crown on his brow, He stands for the faith, he takes the last vow. [Chorus] Ride, oh ride, through the flames and the night, Constantine’s heart still burns with the fight! Though shadows may fall and the empire may break, His name shall live on in the echoes of fate! [Verse 2] The cannons roar, and the city is torn, Yet hope in his soul, forever is sworn. He calls to his brothers, he calls to the brave, "Stand by my side, we’ll fight to the grave!" [Pre-Chorus] Through fire and steel, through thunder and rain, One man remains, unbroken by pain. A sword in his hand, a crown on his brow, He stands for the faith, he takes the last vow. [Chorus] Ride, oh ride, through the flames and the night, Constantine’s heart still burns with the fight! Though shadows may fall and the empire may break, His name shall live on in the echoes of fate! [Bridge] "Better to perish with honor and pride, Than live in the chains of the conqueror’s tide!" [Final Chorus] Ride, oh ride, through the flames and the night, Constantine’s heart still burns with the fight! No empire may stand, no kingdom may rise, But heroes like him never truly die! [Outro ] Ohhh… his name shall live… His name shall live… Forever in time…