When the lion arrived, the war did start - a wicked day, indeed
'cause sweat and blood abounded - from all men and steed

See the daylight lay in ashes - while the dead are still
Hear the armies roar for freedom - on the blackened border hill

The lion looks, looks across the plain - and questions battles in avoidable pain
Heaves a wistfull sigh - and wishes the battle, the battle was a lie

Army of some thousand fighting - men climbed the frowning ridge
With their flaming swords all drawn free - and their pennants at the knee

Their waving of their banners - and the rattle of their spears
Risen to break the dominion - and bring peace for years

Now at least i've come to see what my life is - nothing's ended, it only begun
And the brave victories that seemed so splendid - they were never, never really won

[chorus]
To border raid, to border raid in lions march
The battle smoke has fled
Just after a century and a quarter past
Tonight
We border raid - we border raid in lions march
The battle smoke has fled
Just after a century and a quarter past
Lord blessed by the dead

[chorus]