They Rode On

Out of the dark, into the light
In the dawn of terrestrial birth
New-born yet older than time
Conceived in the depths of the earth

Though strange lay the waters from which they emerged
They glanced upon the world as their own
Yet deep in their hearts they knew all the time
That this was not really their home

So they rode on
Yes, they rode on

On hidden roads, through barren wastelands
Untrodden by both man and beast
From the distance their fire was gleaming
Like a lamp amidst dark eternity

A bitter moon hovered above them
The night lit sole by its glow
From high in a sky of ominous dye
In which dark clouds drifted slow

So they rode on
Yes, they rode on

They rode with shut eyes as the sun rose
Regardless of earth's vanity
But with wide open eyes, they paced the night
And pondered its mysteries

They sat at the crossroads with high and with low
Yet neither could alter their course
Riches were offered unto them
Yet indifferent and without remorse

They rode on
Yes, they rode on

And each lonely vagrant that crossed their path
Felt how his heart grew cold
Yet be marvelled at their scarred faces
So beautiful, distant and old

Some say they've heard them singing
In strange tongues of melancholy
Of the gods, of the night, and of glory
Of the dead, and their memory

So they rode on
Yes, they rode on

Say goodbye to the light
Come twilight, come dark night
Say goodbye to the light
Come twilight, come dark night

Could you have rode there with them?
Would you have joined their march?
Or would you have them ride on?
Away into the dark?

Would you have been able to let go?
Of illusions of right and of wrong?
And if they came to die;
Would you have rode on?