[Verse 1]
From the plains of Marathon, ten thousand stand as one
Against the Persian horde, the immortals on the run
Miltiades leads the charge, hoplites clash with spear and shield
Outnumbered but unbroken, on this blood-soaked field
They ran into the fray, no fear in Athenian eyes
The empire from the east will fall beneath Greek skies
[Chorus]
Shields of Athens! Rising high against the storm!
Triremes sailing, warriors sworn!
From Marathon to Salamis, the gods are on our side!
For Hellas and for freedom – we fight or die!
Shields of Athens! Eternal flame!
[Verse 2]
Xerxes watches from his throne, as Salamis turns red
Themistocles deceives, into narrow straits they're led
Triremes ram and shatter, the Persian fleet in flames
The sea becomes their grave, no more immortal claims
A thousand ships to ashes, the tide of war has turned
The heart of Persia broken, their dreams forever burned
[Chorus]
Shields of Athens! Rising high against the storm!
Triremes sailing, warriors sworn!
From Marathon to Salamis, the gods are on our side!
For Hellas and for freedom – we fight or die!
Shields of Athens! Eternal flame!
[Bridge – calm, narrative]
In 490, the runner brought the word
Victory at Marathon, the Persian dream deferred
Ten years later, the great king returns with might
But wooden walls of ships will win the final fight
No surrender, no retreat – the cradle of democracy stands tall
Through fire and through blood, Athens will never fall!
[Final chorus]
Shields of Athens! Rising high against the storm!
Triremes sailing, warriors sworn!
From Marathon to Salamis, the gods are on our side!
For Hellas and for freedom – we fight or die!
Shields of Athens!
Shields of Athens!
Eternal flame!
