[Originally released in 1997 on the album "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk".]
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[Lyrical concept: Ihsahn & Samoth.]
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[Lyrics: Ihsahn.]
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[Music: Samoth & Ihsahn.]
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[Arrangements: Samoth & Ihsahn.]
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[7:36]
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[Do you know the ones from "Anthems..."? Another headbanger. This one's called "With Strength I Burn"!]
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Deep Green Dark Chaos.
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Blinded I run down these paths.
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By heart I know them.
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They lead to the soaring cliffs.
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Stout they stand above the water's edge,
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lifeless.
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And this is my foundation:
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Cold stone.
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Formed only by winds and time.
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How invulnerable,
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lifeless.
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Ahh... I have longed to be at one with this
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Yet, the waters call my name
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For once I wish to see
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the entity behind the voice.
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The face of this seduction,
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the beauty of my pain.
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Am I blessed or am I cursed by thy presence?
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What is my crime, what is my deed?
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Is this life my redemption?
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Shall I repent or proceed?
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I hate my flesh.
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Its dimension poisoned my soul with doubt.
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It made me question
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the essence of the "I".
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Slaves are those of this world
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given freedom to lay chains upon The Master.
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Master, master.
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The wolf is no longer free.
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Release the chains and come for me.
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[The Elder:]
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"Suddenly, his mournful cries were stunned. Out of the cold mist
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came three enthralling ships. Sails torn by many a storm, and the
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bows adorned by the most fierce gargoyles he'd ever laid eyes upon.
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Yet, the crew they bore... Three times twelve in numbers. They stood
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motionless, wrapped in grey, worn gowns. And from behind their
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shadowed faces the seductive chanting. Bidding him on board.
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Without besitation, he accepted. And away they sailed..."
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Upon these seas,
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wherein I drowned so many times,
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I scatter the ashes of destiny.
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Still my flames are in hunger.
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With fire in my heart
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shall I greet the shores ahead.
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Though, I know not what will burn.
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Desire...
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Ahh...
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In the distance
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I hear the waves wash over solid ground.
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And in this moment I am struck blind.
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Grant me sight so I can see
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that which lies ahead of me.
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Cursed be my mortal eyes
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for dying in the realm of Death.
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Hear my call...
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I return to the soaring cliffs.
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They truly shine of strength.
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Even though, I nothing learned.
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With strength I burn...
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[Guitar lead.]
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-----------------
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With Strength I Burn
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Emperor |