When I was a child, a steward came riding
He had a fine steed and a great, gilded sword
A nobleman born to both wealth and to pleasure
His armor was untouched by tourney or war
He offered to pay me to serve as his liegeman
To carry his papers, tax lesser men's wealth
He swore I'd become a rich man just like he was
And silver and gold I'd claim for myself.

Chorus:
But valor shines brighter than silver, honor is worth more than gold
My duty and my loyalty cannot be bought and sold
Silver and gold the colors o'er the land that I hold dear
The treasure that I'd fight for is the banner of An Tir.

When I was a young lad, I met a grand merchant
In velvets and silks, with a collar of state
He cut a fine figure, a lord of great splendor
Rings on his fingers and a carriage of eight
He offered to pay me to guard his full wagons
Protecting his goods as he counted his coins
He'd bring me to court and he'd show me their wonders
With silver and gold I would be adorned.

Chorus.

Now I am a grown man, the King's horn has sounded
A summons to war against those who would dare
To challenge our courage and threaten our kingdom
We'll fight them like lions and none will be spared!
He asked me to follow but offered no payment
He could give no more than a sword and a shield
A pittance for food and the hard earth to sleep on...
Beneath silver and gold, I took to the field.

Chorus.

Silver and gold the colors o'er the land that I hold dear
The treasure that I'd fight for is the banner of An Tir.