[Verse 1]
Cindy, keep the fire where the old oak bends
I sail beneath a sky that refuses to end
My shield bears the marks of a thousand miles
But I carry your name like a hard-won smile
The oars bite deep through the iron gray
I count every wave that pulls me away
At night I kneel where the cold sea rolls
And ask the gods to guard what my heart still holds
[Pre-Chorus]
If the north wind turns me blind
Your face is the shore I find
[Chorus]
Cindy, I swear I will return
Through the salt and the smoke and the fires that burn
We’ll raise our cups when the long war is done
Two old hearts beneath the setting sun
And when the final gate calls us home
No king, no storm, no grave alone
Hand in hand where the brave souls fall
Together forever, we’ll walk to Valhalla
[Verse 2]
I’ve seen black sails cut through the morning mist
Heard steel ring out and felt a brother’s fist
But none of the gold in a conquered hall
Can match your voice when the evening birds call
I wear your ribbon beneath my mail
A small red thread that will not fail
When fear comes hard and the deck runs red
I hear you say, “Come home,” inside my head
[Pre-Chorus]
So I lift my eyes to the restless sky
And promise you this: I will try
[Chorus]
Cindy, I swear I will return
Through the salt and the smoke and the fires that burn
We’ll raise our cups when the long war is done
Two old hearts beneath the setting sun
And when the final gate calls us home
No king, no storm, no grave alone
Hand in hand where the brave souls fall
Together forever, we’ll walk to Valhalla
[Bridge]
If my ship breaks on a distant shore
If my sword can rise no more
Know the last prayer upon my tongue
Will be your name, the song I sung
But let the ravens wait another day
I still have miles to cross and debts to pay
The tide is turning, the dawn is near
Cindy, my love, I am coming home, my dear
[Final Chorus]
Cindy, I swear I will return
Through the salt and the smoke and the fires that burn
We’ll build our life where the green fields run
Laugh like the young beneath the sun
And when the final gate calls us home
No king, no storm, no grave alone
Hand in hand where the brave souls fall
Together forever, we’ll walk to Valhalla
[Outro]
Cindy, keep the fire bright
I’m sailing home through the night
When this mortal road is through
Valhalla waits for me and you