by Tt Shinkan Power metal, a subgenre of metal in which a band sings about fantasy, mythology, emotions, personal struggles, and even war and death. Most of the time, a story is told throughout a song, teaching listeners about a mythological god, a historical event, or the band’s personal theme. Learning from Lyrics is a biweekly column that will choose a band and one of their songs, then break down the lyrics to fully understand the story they’re trying to tell. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1gvNaC17B4 Sabaton is a Swedish power metal band whose main lyrical themes are historical battles or acts of heroism throughout history. Every song they produce has some sort of historical significance. Their song “Lion From The North” comes from their sixth studio album, Carolus Rex, a concept album detailing the rise and fall of the Swedish Empire from 1611 to 1721. The song is about Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. Adolphus was the king of Sweden from 1611 until his death in 1632. The song focuses on his time during the Thirty Years’ War.
"A time of religion and war Legends tell the tale of a lion This beast in the shape of a man With a dream to rule sea and land"
"And all those who stand in his way Die by God and victorious arms With the righteous that follows him south Once more set ashore to war"
"Legends have taught battles fought This lion has no fear at heart Lion come forth come from the north Come from the north"
"Gustavus Adolphus Libera et impera Acerbus et ingens Augusta per augusta"latindiscussion.com
"Free and command Harsh and great Honors through difficulties"
"A storm over Europe unleashed Dawn of war a trail of destruction The power of Rome won't prevail See the Catholics shiver and shake"
"The future of warfare unveiled Showed the way that we still walk today Der Löwe aus Mitternacht comes Once more he is here for war"
"Stories of old truth unfold Control over Europe he holds Freedom he'll bring Lion and king lion and king"
"Mighty eagle rule alone Liberator claim the throne Lion from the northern land Take the scepter from its hand"Gustavus Adolphus the Great. “A 15th century prophecy averred that a series of disasters would end only when a golden lion emerged from the north to defeat the eagle of devastation. Sweden’s King Gustavus Adolphus, with his flowing blond hair and unfailing courage, won the title ‘Lion of the North’ among his countrymen, his allies and his enemies.”
Sources Sabaton HIstorynet Featured Image
