[Verse 1] Welcome to the Red Griffin, Come inside and shut the cold away. There’s bread still warm from morning, And enough good ale to drown your day. I know every chair and corner, Every fool who thinks he owns the room. One smile brings another order, One little wink can make the whole place bloom. Some ride here from distant counties, Claim they came for ale and stew. Sure, darling. We both know that isn’t always true. [Pre-Chorus] Keep the tray straight, shoulders high, Smile when you want, never when you’re told. Sweet enough to earn a tip, Sharp enough to make a loudmouth fold. And if my blouse helps business— Well… Business, darling. Nothing more. [Chorus] That’s Mara’s way, Warm hearts, full mugs, another busy day. A little charm, a little bite, Keep the candles burning bright. Laugh with the farmers, tease the knights, Feed the strangers through the night. Every face has something to say— And I’ve heard half the world From behind this tray. [Verse 2] When I first came to the Griffin, The old keeper slept behind the door. You could ring the bell beside him, He would somehow only snore some more. But let one drunken idiot Turn a friendly evening into war— Suddenly that sleepy old man Was the hardest wall you’d ever saw. He taught me where the barrels go, How to count the silver right. How a tavern stays a refuge When the world outside wants you to fight. [Verse 3] Then there’s Veronika with me, Always quicker than she likes to show. She complains about my methods— Yet somehow never tells me no. She knows every regular customer, Every bottle, every room upstairs. Sometimes thinks I steal the spotlight… Maybe I do. But there’s plenty here to share. [Chorus] That’s Mara’s way, Warm hearts, full mugs, another busy day. A little charm, a little bite, Keep the Griffin warm at night. Know their orders, know their names, Know exactly how to play the game. Every traveller needs somewhere to stay— So pull up a chair. That’s Mara’s way. [Verse 4] Then one evening through the doorway Came a girl who looked half blown apart. Mud upon her worn-out dress, Tired eyes and one determined heart. I called her such a little wonder, She turned red and looked away. “You’re so mean…” Oh, sweetheart, You should see your face today. She asked me for the rabbit stew, Like she hadn’t eaten in a year. First spoon touched her lips and suddenly Pure heaven seemed to happen here. I’ve served nobles, thieves and soldiers, Merchants dressed in silk and gold— Never saw somebody praise a dinner Without saying a word at all. [Bridge] That’s why I love this place. People enter as strangers And somehow leave with stories. Some stay for an hour. Some stay for years. Some need ale. Some need bread. And sometimes… Someone just needs a warm room Where nobody asks too many questions. So if a tired little flower Finds her way beneath my roof— I’ll give her stew. The rest can wait. [Final Chorus] That’s Mara’s way, Open doors at the end of every day. A little warmth, a little pride, Keep the darkness locked outside. Let them laugh and let them stare, There’s enough good company to share. If they came for me— Well, let them stay. More customers never hurt anyway. Keep the bread warm, Keep the glasses raised, And if they ask how business stays this good… Just smile. That’s Mara’s way.
