From the recording Born of Fire
4. TOTENTANZ
(Our version of this song is inspired by the
so-called Oberdeutscher vierzeiliger Totentanz ,
as we find in a manuscript from 1443-1447 , and
more fully developed in the dance of death in
Basel from ca. 1440. Each section is from the
perspective of a particular archetype which is
labeled at the beginning of each section.
Lyrics
(The Emperor)
My power boundless
To far land and sea
I laid waste for Empire
Foes fell to their knees
My will is no longer
Now I’m but a shade
My blade and staff rot
As death heeds no crowns
(Death)
Lord of men
On your throne
Crows now nest
Your scepter and crown
Are worthless as dust
For I Death am Emperor here
And now clasp my hand
And join in the dance
(The Merchant)
In life I traveled
To sell wares much prized
My coffers buldge
And my purse always full
Now I feel chilled
As a hand reaches out
When in my tomb
Gems and gold are no bribes
(Death)
Merchant man
Your gold will not help you
Of riches Death
My master needs none
Your skull can rest
Atop a pile of coins
As we clasp hands
And you join in the dance
(The Child)
Dear Mother, where are you?
You lay in the streets
I barely crawl yet
I am made to walk
The smoke blinds my eyes
And my toys are lost
A man in black calls
And I take his hand
(Death)
Weep or you laugh
It matters not to me
Your Mother’s arms or teet
Would not save you now
Rise from your knees
It is time to join the line
And now clasp my hand
And join in this dance