In 1977 he played the roles of Narrator and King of Elfland on the concept album The King of Elfland's Daughter. The album also featured Mary Hopkin, PP Arnold, Frankie Miller and Alexis Korner.
He also started a career as singer as with his first album in 1998 entitled, Devils, Rogues & Other Villians and in the post-millennial era he appeared as a narrator for Italian symphonic fantasy metal band Rhapsody, playing the Wizard King in two albums, Symphony of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret and Triumph or Agony. In addition to narrating several tracks on the two albums, he also sang & recorded a duet album with lead vocalist Fabio Lione called "The Magic of the Wizard's Dream".
He released his second solo album in 2007 at the age of 84 under the name of "Revelation" (including a heavy metal song in it).
In March 2010, he released the symphonic metal album "Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross". It was later followed up by "Charlemagne: The Omens of Death" in May 2013.
Christopher Lee died on June 7, 2015 after being hospitalized for respiratory problems and heart failure.
The Betrayal
Christopher Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"And I have summoned you here, to aid our brothers in their struggles against the Saracens.
We must at any cost liberate these lands in order to protect our realm from the imminent threat of their insurgency."
The Frankish troops then marched over the Pyrenees into Iberia. Once in Iberia, Charlemagne calls upon the twelve peers - his bravest knights. He then instructs them to command all attacks against the enemy.
"Let the raising of my sword, Joyeuse, show the enemy no mercy, until they lay down their arms and surrender.
Gloria in excelsis deo! Viva Francia!"
"Viva Francia! Viva king Charlemagne!"
Charlemagne's forces suffered virtually no losses.
But on their long journey back through the Pyrenees...
"It is the Gascons!"
"They are attacking our flanks!
They have betrayed us!"
The lyrics of Christopher Lee's song "The Betrayal" tell the story of Charlemagne and his efforts to protect his territories from attacks by the Saxons and the Saracens. The song begins with Charlemagne building garrisons to protect his territories and mustering all available forces to fight against the Saracens. He then calls upon his bravest knights, the twelve peers, to lead attacks against the enemy. Charlemagne raises his sword, Joyeuse, and instructs his troops to show no mercy until the enemy surrenders. The song ends with the betrayal of Charlemagne's forces by the Gascons, who attack their flanks.
The lyrics of "The Betrayal" showcase the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and political intrigue. Charlemagne's efforts to protect his territories highlight his loyalty to his people and his commitment to defending his realm. However, the Gascons' betrayal shows how even the most trusted allies can turn against you in times of war, putting everything at risk. The song also speaks to the idea of political alliances and how they can be exploited for personal gain, ultimately leading to betrayal.
Overall, "The Betrayal" is a powerful song that captures the drama and complexity of medieval warfare. Christopher Lee's distinctive voice and stirring lyrics convey the intensity of the conflict and the high stakes involved.
Line by Line Meaning
And I have summoned you here, to aid our brothers in their struggles against the Saracens.
Charlemagne gathered his forces to protect his territories from imminent threat of insurgency.
We must at any cost liberate these lands in order to protect our realm from the imminent threat of their insurgency.
Charlemagne and his troops marched to Iberia to free the lands and protect their realm from the insurgents.
Let the raising of my sword, Joyeuse, show the enemy no mercy, until they lay down their arms and surrender.
Charlemagne ordered the twelve peers to command all attacks against the enemy and show no mercy until they surrender.
Gloria in excelsis deo! Viva Francia!
Charlemagne praised his land and his knights in Latin, 'Glory to God in the highest! Long live France!'
Viva Francia! Viva king Charlemagne!
The mighty Frankish army attacked and conquered all the towns and castles with no loss, returning triumphantly with all acclaim for Charlemagne.
It is the Gascons!
On their way back through the Pyrenees, the Gascons attacked Charlemagne's forces unexpectedly.
They are attacking our flanks!
The Gascons were attacking their sides.
They have betrayed us!
Charlemagne realized he had been betrayed by the Gascons who had acted as supporters earlier.
Contributed by Isabelle F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.