Arrow in the Knee

[Verse 1]
I wore my blade in oak
I knew the ridge by name
I ran through sleet and smoke
I came home changed by pain
A long road in my bones
A frost bite in my pride
The hall stayed warm for some
For me the door stood wide
[Pre-Chorus]
Then the horn would call
And the fire would rise
I’d grip that old bad luck
And stare it in the eyes
[Chorus]
I used to be a wanderer like you
(Tell me true)
Then I took an arrow in the knee
In the deep white snow
I learned to kneel
I used to be a wanderer like you
(Like you)
Then I took an arrow in the knee
[Verse 2]
My boots got split by stone
My beard got stiff with frost
I heard the sea at night
And counted what I lost
The young ones laugh and go
Their packs are full of dawn
I tap the table slow
And tell them where I’m from
[Pre-Chorus]
Then the horn would call
And the fire would rise
I’d grip that old bad luck
And stare it in the eyes
[Chorus]
I used to be a wanderer like you
(Tell me true)
Then I took an arrow in the knee
In the deep white snow
I learned to kneel
I used to be a wanderer like you
(Like you)
Then I took an arrow in the knee
[Bridge]
Now I guard the door
And I pour the mead
I know the cost of glory
I know what men need
One cut to the ground
One oath to the hill
I am not lost, brother
I am standing still
[Final Chorus]
I used to be a wanderer like you
(Like you)
Then I took an arrow in the knee
In the deep white snow
I learned to kneel
I used to be a wanderer like you
(Tell me true)
Then I took an arrow in the knee

Norse folk with stomping hand drums, frame drum pulse, nyckelharpa drones, hard-strummed acoustic lute, and a rough sailor's sway; verse rides sparse voice and low drone, pre-chorus adds open harmonies and rising fiddle, chorus lands with gang shouts and a heavier stomp. Breathy lead vocal with doubled hook lines, small delay throws, wolf-call ad-libs, wind chimes and shield-rattle accents, bright and weathered mix., folk