[Intro](The sound of a cold wind blowing across a fjord. A slow, steady shamanic drum pulse begins. The raspy, mournful vibration of a Tagelharpa enters, setting an eerie, isolated tone.) [Verse 1](Lead vocal: Deep, weathered, and solemn) From childhood’s hour I have not been As others were—I have not seen As others saw—I could not bring My passions from a common spring— From the same source I have not takenMy sorrow—I could not awakenMy heart to joy at the same tone—And all I lov’d—I lov’d alone— [Chorus - Viking Ensemble](The chorus enters with a low-pitched, rhythmic hum. Powerful and ancient-sounding)And all I lov’d—I lov’d alone!The mystery which binds me still! Alone! Alone! [Verse 2](The drum beat becomes more driving. The Tagelharpa plays a more aggressive, gothic melody) Then—in my childhood—in the dawn Of a most stormy life—was drawn From ev’ry depth of good and ill The mystery which binds me still— From the torrent, or the fountain—From the red cliff of the mountain—From the sun that ’round me roll’dIn its autumn tint of gold— [Bridge](Music drops to a low drone. Sounds of distant thunder. The lead voice becomes a hoarse whisper)From the lightning in the skyAs it pass’d me flying by— From the thunder, and the storm— [Climax - Grand Finale](Full instrumentation: Heavy drums, soaring strings, and the full Viking chorus at maximum intensity) And the cloud that took the form (When the rest of Heaven was blue) Of a demon in my view— Of a demon in my view! [Outro](The drums stop abruptly. Only the fading vibration of a single Tagelharpa string remains. The chorus breathes a final, low "Alone.") Alone... [End]
