The Rains of Castamere from Game of Thrones
Tina Guo Lyrics
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that I must bow so low?
Only a cat of a different coat,
that's all the truth I know.
In a coat of gold or a coat of red,
a lion still has claws,
And mine are long and sharp, my lord,
as long and sharp as yours.
And so he spoke, and so he spoke,
that Lord of Castamere,
But now the rains weep o'er his hall,
with no one there to hear.
Yes now the rains weep o'er his hall,
and not a soul to hear.
In Tina Guo's version of The Rains of Castamere from Game of Thrones, the lyrics narrate a power play between two great lords. The first verse sets the scene with the proud lord questioning who the other person is, demanding to know why he has to bend before him. The reply is that he is no ordinary cat, representing individuality and strength, regardless of the coat one wears. The next lines are ominous, warning the lord that a lion's claws are not deterred by the coat they wear; they are just as sharp as the lord's own.
The second verse continues with the Lord of Castamere introducing himself. He is aggressive and confident, and it almost seems like he is boasting as he speaks. However, the story takes a dark turn as the rains start to weep over his hall, now empty and silent. The once-great power has crumbled, and there is nobody left to hear. The lyrics suggest that this is a direct result of the lord's arrogance, and now he must face the consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
And who are you, the proud lord said,
The proud lord is questioning the identity of the singer and why they must bow.
that I must bow so low?
The proud lord cannot understand why the singer must show such respect.
Only a cat of a different coat,
The singer is identifying themselves as a cat with a different appearance.
that's all the truth I know.
The artist is claiming they are not withholding any secrets.
In a coat of gold or a coat of red,
The lion's appearance may vary, but it's still fearsome.
a lion still has claws,
Despite any differences in appearance, lions are always powerful.
And mine are long and sharp, my lord,
The singer is implying that they are also powerful and might strike back if provoked.
as long and sharp as yours.
The artist is calling out the proud lord's own power and warning that theirs is equal if not greater.
And so he spoke, and so he spoke,
The Lord of Castamere is recalling a conversation.
that Lord of Castamere,
The artist is giving a title to the person in question.
But now the rains weep o'er his hall,
The singer is stating that the Lord's home is now abandoned and the weather has taken over.
with no one there to hear.
The loss of life or presence has rendered the Lord's home devoid of any activity or inhabitants.
Yes now the rains weep o'er his hall,
The rain is a metaphor for sadness or mourning for the loss of the Lord's rule.
and not a soul to hear.
No one is left to appreciate or mourn the Lord's fate.
Contributed by Oliver O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sarah Andrea Royce
The song is killer at weddings...
James Leon
Sarah Andrea Royce yes it really gets the blood flowing!
Walder Frey
Yeah you tell me...
Sarah Andrea Royce
Yes, Mylord. Your parties are legendary. I also heard only the pie served. Secret family recipe, they say.
Walder Frey
Sarah Andrea Royce Yes, family recipe indeed, they really threw themselfs into it.
Rahul Nandwani
xD oh i'm sure they did
Stephen Parallox
My fiancé and I have agreed to play this at the end of our wedding reception. Partly to let guest know the show is over, and partly to scare the crap out of them. :)
Tina Guo
Stephen Parallox Hahahah I love it!
Power Metallistic
Did they get the message?
Fabien Dubord
I gave it six months...they have one left.