I Will Rise, I Will Reign

I walked where the old stones remember

With dust on the hem of my gown

The gate that was barred in December

Now opens without a sound

I carry the names of the faithful

Engraved in the ring on my hand

The courage is quiet but wakeful

It rises whenever I stand

Let the bells mark the hour

Let the banners unfold

I was shaped by the fire

I will not be controlled

I will rise, I will reign

Through the thunder, through the rain

With a heart that will not bow

I am standing here now

Let the whole world hear my vow

I will guard what we have won

'Til the last red thread of dawn

I will rise, I will reign

And return the light again

The winter has taken its portion

The river has swallowed the bridge

But hope is a living devotion

That waits at the edge of the ridge

I have known the weight of a promise

I have tasted the cost of the crown

Yet love is the strength that has brought us

From the ashes and ruins back home

Let the bells mark the hour

Let the banners unfold

I was shaped by the fire

I will not be controlled

I will rise, I will reign

Through the thunder, through the rain

With a heart that will not bow

I am standing here now

Let the whole world hear my vow

I will guard what we have won

'Til the last red thread of dawn

I will rise, I will reign

And return the light again

If the night gathers over the valley

If the towers are shaken by fear

I will speak for the ones who are waiting

I will tell them their future is near

No sword can divide us forever

No storm can erase what is true

The strength of a kingdom is measured

By the care it extends to the few

I will reign

I, with a heart that will not bow

I am standing here now

Let the whole world hear my vow

I will guard what we have won

'Til the last red thread of dawn, I will rise

I will rise and return the light again

When the morning finds the banner still

When the weary lay their burdens down

I will keep this promise on the hill

And serve the living crown