[Intro] [distant church bells, wind sounds, soft clean guitar arpeggios slowly fading into heavy riff] [Verse 1] [quiet brooding guitars and bass] By a loophole, I sit in my prison, Could see the blue of the heaven from there, I feel sharp pain and a shame at the vision Of heedless birds, freely playing in air. [Verse 2] [gradual layer build, added synth pads] On my dry lips, I’ve not any prayers, Nor any songs, that have ever to fly on, But I remember the ancient battles, My heavy sword and my coat of iron. [Pre-Chorus] [swelling orchestral strings, rising tension] [Verse 3] [fuller drums enter] In stone armor now I am encaged, A stone helmet oppresses my head, My shield is charmed against arrow and blade, My horse gallops on, by no one is led. [Chorus] [full band, strong groove, layered guitars] Time is my horse, ever constant and true, The visor — the grate of the narrow window, Stone armor — the high prison walls through, My shield — the cast-iron doors of the dungeon. [Bridge] [instrumental: galloping rhythm section, deep bass groove, strings intensify – evoke rider on horse] [Verse 4 / Final Chorus] [bigger sound, choir-like backing vocals] Fly faster, oh Time, my swift-winged steed! It's stifling beneath this new armor I wear! When we arrive, Death will hold my stirrup indeed, I'll dismount and lift the visor with care. [Outro] [slow fade: full groove softens, layered guitars, choir echoes, distant church bells return with fading horse gallop sounds into silence]
