Lo, look on yonder field.
See the cross upon that shield?
See that sword slip through their guard like rain.
Watch how she takes that step?
Ha! So oft' they fall for that
All too well too many know that pain

Hark, every blow a thrill!
I have yet her cunning skill
Still my heart finds joy most in the fray.
And I know deep within
I belong midst battle's din
So I heed the words I've heard her say:

​

Refrain:
Hold the field for one more moment than the rest
Never let enough be quite enough to be your best
And should your soul be burdened by the trials you've yet won
Hold your head up to the sun
Remember that your journey's just begun

​

Fie! How I've wasted years
Bent my knee to baseless fears
Haunted by the risk of pride or shame.
Raised in the company
Of such warrior's legacy
When compared, how could I reach my aim?

Yet, I have come to know
That which most may lay me low
Is the voice of doubt that shades my way
And I'll not heed it more
I know what I'm fighting for
So I heed the words I've heard her say...

​

Refrain

​

If I can only learn
From each fall, I know I'll earn-
All the peace I seek upon my quest
For 'til the day I die
I cannot but heed the cry
Of this call to valor neath my breast

Here, upon bended knee,
I give oath of fealty
And, by all I am, I swear, someday
When I take belt of white,
Chain of gold, and stand a knight
Still I'll heed the words I've heard you say...

​

Last Refrain:
Hold the field for one more moment than the rest
Never let enough be quite enough to be your best
And should your soul be burdened by the trials you've yet won
(Then,) hold the field for one more moment than the rest
Never let enough be quite enough to be your best
and should your soul be aching from the trials you've yet won
Hold your head up to the sun
Remember that your journey's just begun
Aye, Then I'll know my journey's just begun!

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2018

   

A glaiveman was boasting, "I took 10 men down!"
A spearman said, "Twice that has earned me renown."
When asked on my merit what count I claimed mine
I answered, "I saved many lives on the line."

​

Refrain:
I add my shield to the wall
My glory's not forged by the foeman who fall
I guard well my kinsmen and hold 'gainst the tide
That by god, none shall fall who will stand by my side

​

An archer proclaimed, "By my bow it began!"
A siege master cried, "Did you see how they ran?"
A lady of coursing asked, " Did you pursue?"
I answered them all with humility true

​

Refrain

 

A red belted youth asked, "Did you ever tire?"
I laughed, "Don't be foolish, of course, my good squire.
But mind you the shame should you have to declare
When the wall fell, brother you were not there!"

​

Refrain

 

My king called my name, took my hand in his hand
He spoke, "Brave the heart who beside me would stand.
Not once took you ease, I was proud you were mine."
I answered, "My liege, a shield rests at the line!"

​

Refrain

​

Then Final Refrain:

So add your shield to the wall

Our glory's not forged by the foeman who fall 

We guard well our kinsmen and hold 'gainst the tide

That by god, none shall fall who would stand by our side

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2010

  

My blade is sharp as yours, my heart as true
My shield as needed when war is nigh
I too believe all we fight for is just
I am as ready as you to die
I have shed blood, sweat, and tears for our cause
Many know peace for my sacrifice
I've felt the cost to my body and soul
And I've ne'er doubted it's worth the price

​

Refrain:
So stand my side
Ne'er shall this warrior's heart be denied!
Shoulder to shoulder we enter the fray
And we are all soldiers this day

​

I’m not the strongest nor swiftest we boast
My deeds of valor are but a few
And though unsung are my victories past
I face the rages of war with you 
I am no mighty duke, I am no king

I am no well-tested noble knight

Yet if I fall, I shall fall blade in hand

Naught will deny me this worthy right 

​

Refrain

​

I know your instinct would spare me the risk
(But) how can you ask that I run and hide?
If you would honor me, honor my will,
Stand not before me, but by my side
And unto all of my sisters in arms
Mind not the few who might bar the way
Don well your armor and heed valor's call
Rise up beside me and boldly say

​

Refrain x2

Then: "So Brother, make good or make way..."

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2015

 

Round Verse 1:
The Clink of Chain, the smell of leather
As we march on together
Throw your shoulders back and hold your head up high
Though your might, it has been tested
Do not march like you were bested, no
Proudly raise your banners and a "Vivat!" to the sky...

Round Verse 2:
Honor, duty, kingdom
Loyalty, humility
Such I shall defend un-
Til the day death comes for me

Round Verse 3:
Here as one, 
We shall rise
Heed the call this day 
Win or Die, 
Side by side
Let fear fall away

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2015

 

Verse 1:

If I lie here quietly and don’t move a bit
I can almost just pretend that I don’t feel like… poorly.  
“Dad don't make me go to school the other kids have spears...”
Oh, but then I hear...

“Waah… Stop your whining, quit your crying, get your shield out here!”
My ankle rolled 3 days ago, the bridge near took my knee
My hand won’t fully grasp my blade, I’ve lashed the sword to me
My blisters all have blisters and I cannot roll my wrist
But never was more glory earned than in the fight you missed

​

Refrain:

Lord knows I have seen better days, like every day before
But I’d not trade a day of rest for one less day of war 

​

Verse 2: 

The moonlight bids me rest and yet the ale flows hale and good
The next day on the battle field my legs feel made of wood
And though there are so many foe with keener blades, they say
It’s not one of those bastards I’ll let strike my helm this day (Kill me now-)

​

Refrain

​

Verse 3: 

The salt and brine run down my brow, my helm a misery
My hands steel cased in gauntlets cannot wipe this grief from me
I watch a breeze I cannot feel but mock my melting brain
“By God, I’ll pay the price of rust if he’d but send me rain!” 

​

Refrain

​

Verse 4: 

The battle rages on and on; I breath more dust than air
I raise my eyes and pray I’ll spy, the ones who water bear
And yet I know that if I drink, I so invite my bane
For going to the john in armor’s such a bloody pain

​

Refrain

​

Verse 5: 

My sister has a broken foot, yet she’s fighting still
My brother has 2/3rds a lung, yet he crests the hill
A duct-taped warrior takes the field, ardent in his quest
How can I ask they bear my share of battle while I rest? 

​

Refrain

​

Verse 6: 

(For) the dawn comes far too early, or too wet, or hot, or cold
But tis no balm but glory for the soul who would be bold
So as you gaze into the void and dream of rest, resist
For never was a day as grand… as the day you missed 

​

Last Refrain:

And Lord knows we have seen better days, like every day before
But I’d not trade a day of rest for one less day of war
For when I lay my weary head, I only dream of More!

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2017

 

A Knight's Response to "Squire's Lament"

​

Unto my peer who saw me kneel and rise again a knight
I'd first like to apologize, and say that you were right
And would that I had listened more, I might have struggled less
In hindsight it’s amazing it took this long to confess
Those words in jest you whispered at my knighting, take 'em back
I here admit my failings, any virtues that I lack
And I'd pay any penance if this curse you would revoke
In horror now I understand those fateful words you spoke

​

"A blessing I would offer
and you've earned it, through and through,
May fate, I trust,
be fair and just, may you have squires like you..."

​

I find it quite impressive how they demonstrate their skill
How every wisdom offered is defied with ardent will
For why "submit" and fix your kit, like some obedient sap
Why do it right when you can fight in such magnificent crap
I mean, why waste your time to keep your gear in good repair
When man invented duct tape you can layer upon layer
And any fret of prepping for a bout you may release
And wonder every battle how you've lost another cuisse

​

"A blessing I would offer and you've earned it, through and through,May fate, I trust, ​be fair and just, may you have squires like you..."

​

A mighty war cry moves the field, and someday, squires mine
For far above the clamor of our labor sounds a whine
Of how I only dream up ways our efforts may be spent
And somehow lost upon them's how I share their sad lament
For every bench and table that we build upon this today
Is to replace the last ones that they mucked up in some way
Oh tell me more of what a chore this prepping for the field
I've seen them use a sword, good lord, they need a sturdy shield

​

"A blessing I would offer and you've earned it, through and through,May fate, I trust, ​be fair and just, may you have squires like you..."

​

My duty amongst many is to lend a mindful ear
I help them face their demons, help them dominate their fear
But if I'm being honest, I suspect I've come to think
Of how convenient heart-to-hearts require first a drink
And who am I to so deny my vassal aid or ale
I'd sooner thirst or suffer first than in this duty fail
But here of late we conversate with much left to be done
Our talks ebb as the ale runs low or with the fading sun

 

"A blessing I would offer and you've earned it, through and through,May fate, I trust, ​be fair and just, may you have squires like you..."

​

I swore an oath, as did we both, and now swear so much more
And we'll survive them knowing all there is to know, I'm sure
But now I understand what I before could never see
That ev'ry student that I have is somehow just like me
Its sometimes painful, looking back, to know-you know-I know
But know I'm grateful for your fight to guide and help me grow
I pray for half your patience 'til I likewise each condemn
I cannot wait 'til time and fate see they take squires like them

"A blessing I would offer and you've earned it, through and through,May fate, I trust, ​be fair and just, may you have squires like you..."
 

"A blessing I would offer and you've earned it, through and through,
If fate is just, then I can trust that you'll have squires like you..."

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2023

​

Coming Soon

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2023

​

Teacher:
(For) a year and a day, have you traveled beside me 
And many’s the quest you have bested, within. 
You come here today, for to enter my service 
To stand as my vassal, be welcomed as kin. 
I’d hear now your oath, and the words of your feal’ty 
To choose well the path you would earn and endure 
So swear on this sigil, and honor its hist’ry,
Here speak only truth, that of which you are sure 

Student:
(For) a day and a year, I have asked of your counsel 
And nobly you’ve served as a mentor and guide 
Now here, on this day, I commit to this journey, 
The road it be long, be it long at your side.
We’ve spoken of honor, of skill, and of duty. 
And I have thought much on the path of my heart. 
I let fall the trappings of fear and of failure, 
And now, come what may, I shall take up this start. 

 

Refrain:
Honor, Duty, Kingdom, Loyalty, Humility;
These I shall, with all I am, defend
E’er I swear until the day that Death, she claimeth me
Or until the world comes to its end.

 

Student:
I will offer this pledge, and pray let it prove worthy, 
I’ll answer your edict in all that is just. 
But lead, I shall follow. But ask, I’ll endeavor.  
I know with this belt comes the gift of your trust 
And if I should fall I shall press ever onward 
For I have a dream that will not be denied 
I hunger for greatness; am humbly your student, 
May ever you look on my efforts with pride 

 

Teacher:
So well-spoken your vow, and now I shall give answer 
For I would accept with an oath of my own 
This path may hold hardships that no one can spare you 
But I swear that ne’er shall you face them alone 
For there will be times you are blinded by darkness 
Your gifts are a light I will help you to see 
My hall is your haven, my skill at your service. 
And we shall build long on our great legacy 

 

Refrain

 

Teacher:
Now Let all here bear witness, and mark well this warning,     
A harm unto you is a harm unto me. 
Yet I say to those who would offer you kindness 
That I would take such as a great courtesy. 

Student:
And if I can aid you in some greater effort, 
Doubt never that you may depend upon me. 

Teacher:
I’ll ask thee no burden that I would not shoulder 

Student:
And thus shall we serve the more, honorably 

​

Teacher:
Well then know ye your kin, they who stand now before you. 
But ask of their aid and none here shall refuse. 

Student:
For brighter the path when we journey together. 

Both:
Thus sworn, we are part of the “Fam’ly We Choose”.­ 

 

Refrain:
Honor, Duty, Kingdom, Loyalty, Humility;
E’er I swear in faith, my trusted friend.
By my troth, I so give oath, till Death, she claimeth me,
Or until the world comes to its end.
Honor, Duty, Kingdom, Loyalty, Humility;
E’er I swear in faith, my trusted friend.
By my troth, I so give oath, till Death, she claimeth me,
Or until the world comes to its end. (fade)

​

Lyrics and Music by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michelli | Copyright 2023 Samantha Moore ASCAP
(Inspired by a poem by Ambra & Niall for their Laurel/Apprentice Ceremony 2009)

 

I would someday be a knight, Let me tell you why
14,000 rivets done, 40 more to pry!

​

Refrain:
Oh, my hands are cramped, My fingers sore
Though I've yet touched a blade
But as my goodly knight assures
For such were squires made

​

Service is the soul of man, So my knight doth say
That's why I'm posting every bloody, Tent on the field today.

​

Refrain

​

Household bears a heavy price, (Ha!) one I get to pay
Cause your tables, chairs, and benches all, I made last Saturday!

​

Refrain

​

(Now) Its all about aesthetics, so hath our knight decreed.
That's why I pack a trailer full- Of crap we "really" need!

​

Refrain

​

I'm a human pell it seems, (Ow!) working on my guard
Bruising parts of me keep whisp'ing, "Quit, and be a bard!" (Nah!)

​

Refrain

​

Oh to be a knight one day with half my good knight's charms,

But til then I'll gladly help to train his man-at-arms!

Final Refrains:
Oh their hands are cramped and fingers sore
Though they've yet touched a blade (WAH!)
But as I'll thusly each assure,
"For such were men-at-arms made." (HA!)

​

Our hands are cramped and fingers sore
Though we've yet touched a blade
But as we're always so assured,
For such were minions made!

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2016

 

Lo the embers fade to shadow, still you sit beside the fire.
And you gaze into the night, I see your thoughts grow dark and dire.
As the hour of dawn approaches on the morning we must ride,
I can see your apprehension, you are young and yet untried.
Despite your resolution, there's a question in your eyes,
You wonder what is worth the cost of risking all our lives.

​

Refrain

​

I have known an Allie's cause to call unto my very soul.
Oh and how camaraderie can coax a flame from quiet coal!
Ah but when the ale runs low, does that conviction fade to ash?
And will your new soul brother leave your side within a flash?
How then, can one not wonder if a bond you forge is real?
But do what you have promised, and your word is tempered steel.
 

Refrain

​

There are those with silver tongue who speak with rich and rousing tone;
Who will offer hollow words but wring your blood out of  the stone.
When all empty vows are spent, then you learn that talk is cheap.
You will judge a man not by the oaths he makes, but those he keeps!
Today, or many years from now, one truth is well assured:
You need not wonder at the worth of he who keeps his word.

​

Refrain

​

As the dawn crests the horizon and the sounds of battle grow.
There is but one question left, the answer only you can know.
For as fate demands, each man must stand to face his dieing day,
So when you lie the earth below, what will your people say?
Would you break faith and run, to find your legacy is sold?
When one who can be trusted's worth more than his weight in gold!

 

Refrain:

I've given oath to Crown and I have pledged my vow.
All those I promised then, I'll not abandon now.
And though the war's not mine, a good man keeps his word.
I'll heed the call of Kings and prove my worth in deed and sword.

​

Last Repeated Refrain:
We've given oath to Crown and we have pledged my vow.
All those we promised then, we'll not abandon now.
And though the war's not ours, "a good man keeps his word".
We'll heed the call of Kings and prove our worth in deed and sword.
We'll heed the call of Kings and prove our WORTH!

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2023

 

I see my kin across the field yet here I must remain
The sound of sword on shield is like some taunting thund'rus rain
The battle fever rises and war sings within my veins 
But bound by captain's orders, duty binds like captive's chains

​

Changing Refrain:

But the price of glory's pride is dear
And so I bide a little longer here

​

(Now) I live to feel the thrill of Battle's crash upon my shield
To dance along the war line til the foe is made to yield 
To meet the eyes before me and to test my with and to test my wit and skill
To shield my brother spear-man and thus partner in the kill

​

Changing Refrain:

But the price of Glory's pride is dear
And so I bide a little longer here

​

We guard as we are ordered, but the bridge begins to fall
I hunger to meet steel with steel, and answer Valor's call
How can I stand here silent when so many cry for aid
I slip the bonds of Duty for to rally, unafraid

​

Changing Refrain:

For the price of Glory's pride is dear
But I can bide no longer waiting, here

​

I am as I was meant to be a breath of wrath and grace
We counter charge with charge and drive the foe back into place
An archer gives me thanks, a glave-man fails to take my head!
And soon the dance with sword and shield and spear has left him dead

​

Changing Refrain:

For the price of Glory's pride is dear
No longer would I heed my captain's fear

​

I turn a fearsome grin I feel within my very soul
Unto my allies left behind, to mind our captain's goal
The banner it has fallen and in horror do I see - 
That but one shield would even fate and that one shield was me!

​

Changing Refrain:

For the price of Glory's pride is dear
Too late, my duty's purpose is made clear

​

I race to right my actions, though I know my chance is slight.
My captain calls for shield-men, as they struggle in their fight.
But as my focus falters, fie! A spearman's shaft is swift!
In pain, my vision fades and then sweet darkness is a gift

​

Changing Refrain:

For the price of Glory's pride is dear
And what has Duty's failing cost us here?

​

I waken on the field, the sun within my eye's too bright
I hear the dieing echos of the last dregs of the fight
A healer tends my wound, and though regret will be my song
I see my captain's banner flying tall and sure and strong

​

Changing Refrain:

For the price of Glory's pride was dear
And ever more that cost to me is clear

​

And so, for all my days, I swear to answer Duty's call
To use my voice and beg a choice, but not abandon all
For though I see a need and instinct tempts my hungry sword
I'll foremost trust the wisdom of my captain's given word

​

Changing Extended Refrain:

For the price of Glory's pride is dear
A cost that many pay each day, I fear
Though the price of Glory's pride is dear
I'll honor Duty's calling, this I swear

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2019

 

War-line breaker, hammer wielder, 

Valor's child is sir Valbrandr!
Who upon this field takes arms to prove his skill is sure.
All for Cerric Elvaghandi,

Sheildwall bracer, stalwart valk'rie;
For if love were sickness he would seek no cure.

Changing Refrain:

But in his mind he finds -A voice of shadowed doubt taunt on,
And so he wonders.. And so he wonders...
"What if I falter? What if I fail?
What if upon this field of prowess I cannot prevail?
Will I prove foolish? Or win the day?
Few men before their time has ended of their fate may say."
But as his memories fade, and all his glories seem to blur, 
This he remembers, this he remembers...
"I fight for her!"

​

Stands he now as tourney's victor, 
And in love he kneels before her;
For to offer all he has and all he's yet to gain.
Cerric asks if they are worthy,
Or if pride will be their story,
And for what good purpose would he truly seek to reign?

 

Changing Refrain:
And in his mind he finds- A voice far bolder than his own,
And so he answers... and so he answers...
"We will not falter. We will not fail.
We will in any test of honor let ho-nor prevail.
We'll prove not foolish. And come what may,
We'll let our deeds in hist'ry be but what the bards may say.
For when their memories fade,
And our past glories seem to blur,
This they'll remember... This they'll remember...
I fight for her!"

​

Sits our king and queen before us,
With "Vivat!" An ardent chorus,
As the burden of the crown sits heavy on the soul.
As he meets each gaze before him,
Those who doubt or who adore them,
Then he counts no more the cost, he knows he'll pay the toll.

 

Changing Refrain:
There in his mind he finds- A new resolve to call his own!
Yet still he whispers... This prayer he whispers...
"Let me not falter. Let me not fail.
Let Odin guide my better judgement as our course sets sail.
Prove me not foolish. And come what may,
Let me remember always those I live to serve, I pray!
And if their mem'ries fade, and all my glories seem to blur,
Let them remember... let them remember...
I fight for her!"

Yes pray all remember... always remember...
We fight for her! 

  

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2018

​

Coming Soon

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2023

​