Tongue of Iron Lyrics

Over a score of nobles slain by Widukind

Two envoys cut down, the third flying with a tale of woe

Mighty Prince Carolus girded with gleaming arms

And plumed helm marched upon the men of Saxony with vengeful haste

Massacring them through bloodied shields and bellicose spears

Strength of courage and blood smeared arrows won the field for the king

Dragging the surviving forest dwellers to Verden

There on the banks of the river Aller

With a word from his iron tongue the headsman's axe fell continuously on

Time and again

Bathing the fields crimson

As heads did begin to roll

Those spared the blade's caress coerced to bathe in the water

Promising their immortal souls

To a god not of their ken

Despite this humiliation Saxony continued

To resist in vain

Their ancient ways forbidden

On pain of torture or execution