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 wistful 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

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 thy dead

We border raid in lions march...