Danish to English Translation:
Dragon-ships
Music and lyrics: Lewis and Frederiksen
Heave, heave, heave ahoy!
The prow cleaves the sea as the sword cleaves the sea-fog
The western wind fills the sail; we will carry you to war
The forest’s silence was our cradle; (we) grew great in the forest’s bosom
Proud oak and supple ash, the elm with its jagged leaves
Axe-felled, adze-formed, fair fruit of the hand’s craft
Clinker-built, iron-bound, bellow blast and hammer blow
Heave…
Bold warriors ride upon us; wave-steeds are we
Sharp swords and slim battle-spears, worm-bound battle-weapons
Bearded axes, silver covered, the master smith’s finest work
Shields hung in rows, proudly decorate the gunwale
Heave…
Cheers to Vaner-Njord! Cheers to Sea-Agir!
Cheers to Battle-Tyr, guard us well!
Those, who drown here shall not fear it
They will lie with the nine sea maidens
Your act, to have us built, gave us a purpose, gave us courage
Your act, to give us names, gave us life, gave us destiny
We are ships, skútar, snekker, heroes’ drekar, longships
Cremation-flames’ hot waves, (our) last voyage towards Valhal!
Heave! Row! To the oars!
The prow cleaves the sea as the sword cleaves the sea-fog
The western wind fills the sail; we will carry you to war
Heave…
