When Horns Resound
Einar Selvik Lyrics

The first verse of the song sets the tone for a grand story unfolding in the hall of kings. The singer invokes the imagery of an "ocean-steed" where his words gain wings, drawing parallels to the mythical realm and the ability for words and deeds to transcend boundaries. The mention of Odin's mead, a drink associated with divinity and wisdom, signifies a sense of power and bravery in the forthcoming narrative. The singer pledges to honor noble deeds through his words, a theme that is central to Norse mythology where valor and honor are highly revered.

The lyrics then shift to depict the aftermath of battle, where fallen warriors are taken to Valhalla by Valkyrjur, the female figures who choose the slain warriors to be taken to the Viking afterlife. The phrase "Reward for strain, to Valhöll takes" suggests that those who exhibit bravery and valor in battle are granted entrance to the illustrious halls of Valhalla. The repetition of the line "For those who fight, for those who fall" reinforces the idea of honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by brave warriors in battle.

The second verse introduces the figure of the warlord, who instills fear in his enemies as each man meets his destined fate in battle. The imagery of a blood-red warrior's shield and ravens scanning the battlefield evoke a sense of violence and foreboding, capturing the harsh reality of warfare and the inevitability of death in battle. The ravens, often associated with Odin in Norse mythology, are symbolic of death, battle, and the divine presence overseeing the chaos of war.

The final verse brings the narrative full circle, as the singer reflects on the trail of death and destruction left in the wake of battle. The mention of Odin gazing upon the dead implies a sense of judgment or acknowledgment of the fallen warriors by the chief god in Norse mythology. The repeated call for the horns to resound in the mighty hall, this time including "we who fight, for we who fall," underscores the cyclical nature of battle and the shared fate of warriors who both fight and perish in the pursuit of honor and glory. The final plea for the horns to sound in honor of those who fight and fall serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of valor and duty.