1. I was born in a night unreached by day
And lived my life with tears an ocean deep

2. Not a day passed without some tragedy
Nor a day of respite from sorrow and loss

3. And though still young was aged beyond my years
With the world proclaiming life itself is bitter

4. No child plays, no glory-crowned youth thrives
Debased by the beastly night, shamed and disgraced

5. Now elders all, by wolves set upon
Our lifeblood filling the cups we pass around

6. I travel back through my nation’s faded glory
Chilled by longing, consumed by fires

7. Lost on a sea of anxious thought
Endless dark without respite

8. How can I bring back that lost glory
When tyranny reigns and chains enfetter the lion?

9. How can I light up the night when the moon lies shattered?
If light appears, is not oblivion preferable?

10. How can I free the dawn from its shackles
When people believe the morn brings but loss?

11. I have braved endless disasters, buffeted by storms
Battled terrors, blood and ruins

12. Never bowed to tyrants, I seek the day
When my nation stands proud in the sun

13. I sheathe the sword though words remain
No longer can the sword avenge truth’s violation

14. The thunder of hooves no longer makes the earth
Quake under the tyrant’s heels, they cower, beaten

15. Woe to the nation whose pride resides
In words and memories, while deeds betray them

16. I raise the banner of defiance, crying out
My nation, humiliation is a blight!

17. Be lions again – no life for the nation
That huddles in cowardice, lost and confused

18. Where are the guiding stars in this gloom?
Where are the fierce lions with teeth and claw?