Man of Iron
Nachtfalke Lyrics
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I have paced these forests for so long I don't know if I am man or I am beast.
I, though, hold deep within me a quest for revenge.
Then I must be a man as much as I can be.
I have learned to speak the tongue of the animal
I have learned to read the signs in bark and snow.
Long time gone.
In this short time, far from home, a man of Iron I've grown.
A man of Iron I have grown.
A part of the Eternal Woods...
Late evening...
The above lyrics are from Nachtfalke's cover of the song "Man of Iron" originally by Bathory which appears on their "Blood Fire Death" album. The song is about a man who has spent so much time in the forests that he is unsure if he is a man or a beast. However, despite his confusion, he holds onto a quest for revenge which confirms his humanity. He has learned to communicate with animals and interpret messages in nature such as the language of the bark and snow. He has also embraced the spirits of his ancestors who have long since passed. The man then reflects on how he has become a man of iron during his time in the forest and the haunting melody of the song signifies that he will remain in the woods as part of the eternal cycle of life and death.
Line by Line Meaning
I have paced these forests for so long I don't know if I am man or I am beast.
I have wandered these woods for an extended period and have become so attuned to nature that I sometimes question if I am still human or have been transformed into a wild animal.
I, though, hold deep within me a quest for revenge.
Despite my connection to nature, I still harbor a strong desire for vengeance.
Then I must be a man as much as I can be.
My desire for revenge reminds me that I am still human, no matter how much I have adapted to the forest.
I have learned to speak the tongue of the animal
I have gained an understanding of the communication methods used by the creatures of the forest.
I have learned to read the signs in bark and snow.
Through observation, I have become skilled at interpreting the messages and evidence left by the animals in their environment.
I have taken within myself the spirits of my fathers, Long time gone.
I have adopted the values and traditions of my ancestors who, although no longer living, continue to exist in the natural world around me.
In this short time, far from home, a man of Iron I've grown.
Despite only spending a brief period living in the forest away from my origins, I have evolved into a being akin to iron - strong, unyielding, and resilient.
A man of Iron I have grown.
I have transformed into a mighty and tenacious individual, capable of surviving and thriving in the wilderness.
Contributed by Mateo D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.