The Thornwood Champion

The Thornwood Champion (Verse 1) I was born where the river bends, beneath the thornwood tree, The shamrock guarded my cradle and the wild wind cradled me. When the bandits came with torches to burn the farmer’s grain, I stood with spear and oath-bound mettle and turned their fire to rain. (Chorus – everyone slams mugs) Hey-ho, the Thornwood grows, the ivy climbs the wall! Thorns and thunder, root and glade, the green will never fall! From the hedgerow to the hilltop, let the wild hearts call— Hey-ho, the green will never fall! (Verse 2) The god of elves whispered in the leaves, laid moonlight on my brow, Gave me spells of bloom and briar and a sacred, silent vow. When the wolf-pack starved in winter, I called the deer to terry, When the plague came to the village, I grew the healing berry. (Chorus) Hey-ho, the thornwood grows, the ivy climbs the wall! Thorns and thunder, root and glade, the green will never fall! From the hedgerow to the hilltop, let the wild hearts call— Hey-ho, the green will never fall! (Verse 3) So raise your cups, ye wanderers, you reapers, and the free, For every scar upon my face came from defendin’ the thornwood tree. I’ll stand till moss grows over me and the slow vines claim my mail, But till that day I’ll sing this lay, and the green shall never fail! (Final chorus – louder, with stomping) Hey-ho, the thornwood grows, the ivy climbs the wall! Thorns and thunder, root and glade, the green will never fall! From the hedgerow to the hilltop, let the wild hearts call— Hey-ho, the green will never fall!