The mild winter seems so cold today

I shiver in disbelief

The sun cannot melt my frozen heart

Warmth is no relief

We give our souls to warriors

We relish in the fight

When they play like mortals

We feel the greatest slight

We've been taught that second is for losers

Lombardi is our only goal

There is no joy in placing

We must only win the bowl

But this I see as false you know

The thrill is in the battle

To think you alone taste defeat

Is no more than useless prattle

The coward dies a thousand deaths

The hero once shall perish

The chance to ride to the sound of war

Is all I seek to relish

So place me in the front rank

That I may taste the arrow's sting

The archer may have wounded me

This day we are not king

But the next time the bugle blows

And the coward slinks to the rear

Place me in the vanguard

I have no need to fear

For dread burdens the shirker

I don't envy this heartless weight

Again I seek to draw my sword

Another day to slay my fate

I'll run singing to the front rank

My blade no need to whet

There is worse fortune than seeking glory

We could root for the stinking jets