[Verse 1] When need befalls me To keep this hull afloat I hush the wind with a quiet word Calm gathers in my throat Storm climbs high around us Black mouths in the foam I lay my hand upon the rail And call the sea to home [Chorus] I hush the wind on the stormy wave I soothe all the sea to rest My vessel rides on a silver grave Yet never is it pressed Old oaths burn in my broken tongue Old names on my breath like wine Safe into the teeth of the dark we go Safe out And the lives are mine [Verse 2] If haply I lead my comrades Out under iron sky I walk beneath their woven shields And sing so they won’t die Rust on every helmet Fear behind each eye I bend my voice like tempered steel And lift their hearts up high [Chorus] I sing beneath the shields for them They fare forth Shoulders wide Safe into battle Safe from the crush Safe back to the fireside Old oaths burn in my broken tongue Old names on my breath like wine Safe into the teeth of the dark we go Safe out And the lives are mine [Bridge] Who keeps count of the fallen years? I carry them in the song If I must stand between wave and spear My voice will hold them strong [Chorus] I hush the wind on the stormy wave I soothe all the sea to rest My vessel rides on a silver grave Yet never is it pressed Old oaths burn in my broken tongue Old names on my breath like wine Safe into the teeth of the dark we go Safe out And the lives are mine
