Lyrics

[Verse 1] Brother Michael is my name I forsook wealth, and power and fame To serve my god within these monastery walls Here I lived in joy and peace My soul from worldly sins released Until a Viking raider's sword ended it all [Chorus] There can be only one But as long as I stand on holy ground There will be two, no winner be found And never will [Verse 2] Though my wounds were grievous sore Enough to kill five men or more Still, I lived while others died and I grew well My brothers praised our lord above For this sure sign of his great love But was this gift from him or a subtle trap from hell [Chorus] There can be only one But as long as I stand on holy ground There shall be two, no winner be found And never will [Verse 3] Out of the dawn the stranger came His face and blade not matching his name — Telling me of this long-played game, of gift and rules Though he spoke with wit and style Was this the truth or the devil's wiles? Until I know I'll not break my vows and play the fool [Chorus] There can be only one But as long as I stand on holy ground There shall be two, no winner be found And never will [Verse 3] To give my life up willingly Would damn my soul for eternity And all my vows prevent my taking up the sword Within these sacred walls I'll stay Until the coming of judgment day — Or 'til I know we immortals serve my Lord [Chorus] There can be only one But as long as I stand on holy ground There shall be two, no winner be found And never will [Verse 4] The kurgan stands outside my door As he so often has before Taunting me and seeking to prick me in my pride But with my brothers safe behind stone I'll leave him standing there alone To tire of ranting and go away like the tide [Chorus] There can be only one But as long as I stand on holy ground There shall be two, no winner be found And never will [Verse 5] But as I live my endless days The world outside changes its ways Men now sail beneath the seas and in the sky Where once our faith did rule supreme All that is now an ancient dream Accountants decide which churches live or die [Chorus] There can be only one But as long as I stand on holy ground There shall be two, no winner be found And never will [Verse 6] The village children now go away Rome says we cost too much to stay The priests now come my ancient home to de-sanctify And all these years I've guarded well Striving to save the world from hell — Are all for naught, the kurgan's laugh rings loud outside [Chorus] There can be only one But as long as I stand on holy ground There shall be two, no winner be found And never will — Unless God wills