The Blackthorn Line

[Verse 1]
The blackthorn crept in from the west
Quiet as a winter crow
It wrapped itself around the pines
And choked the roots below
Some folks said, “Just leave it be”
Some said, “Turn away”
But others took their lanterns out
And walked the woods each day

[Pre-Chorus]
Hand to hand
Light to light
Nobody stood there alone that night

[Chorus]
Hold the line where the blackthorn grows
Guard the seed and guard the rose
If the dark comes dressed in green
We know what hides beneath the leaves
Hold the line
Hold the line

[Verse 2]
The baker brought a sharpened spade
The teacher carried twine
The ferryman and tailor came
And worked beside the pines
No kings were named
No flags were raised
No trumpets split the air
Just ordinary people standing
Because somebody cared

[Bridge]
The blackthorn promised easy roads
If they’d just let it stay
But every season left the woods
A little more gray

[Final Chorus]
Hold the line where the blackthorn grows
Guard the seed and guard the rose
For a forest isn’t saved by one
But by many hearts moving as one
Hold the line
Hold the line
And leave some light behind