> Steeleye Span > Songs > Unconquered Sun

Unconquered Sun

[Steeleye Span / Ken Nicol]

This song was sung by Ken Nicol on Steeleye Span’s CD Winter. He commented in the album’s sleeve notes:

In the northern latitudes, midwinter’s day, or mid winter solstice, has been an important time for celebration throughout the ages. On this shortest day of the year, the sun is at its lowest and weakest, a pivot point from which the light will grow stronger and brighter. This is the turning point of the year. The Romans called it Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun.

Lyrics

Steeleye Span sing Unconquered Sun

With solstice here we’ll celebrate
This sacred time and have much cheer.
We will bring warmth, we will bring light
Into the darkest time of year.

The mistletoe will be cut down
With sickle from the sacred tree.
A kiss I’ll give to you my love,
A pledge of friendship made to thee.

Chorus:
For greater than the will of man
Or want of that which can be done;
It falls and shines on where we stand
Beneath the great unconquered sun.

For this is now our turning point,
The shortest day, the longest night.
We’ll look unto the months to come
When the sun will grow both strong and bright.

A versed crown all decked with green
That tells of winter’s tales and mirth
Will bring great gladness and much joy
To all who walk upon this earth.

Chorus:
And greater than the will of man
Or want of that which can be done;
It falls and shines on where we stand
Beneath the great unconquered sun.

The servants and the lords alike
And masters they will feast with slaves;
And give them freedom they desire,
Set thief and scoundrel free this day.

With candles, dolls and gifts of fruit
And blackened faces through the street,
We’ll praise good fortune and raise our cups
And drink a toast to king and queen.

Chorus:
Far greater than the will of man
Or want of that which can be done;
It falls and shines on where we stand
Beneath the great unconquered sun.

We’ll burn the lamps to ward away
The spirits in the halls of those
Whose houses all be decked with boughs
Where evergreen and laurel grows.

The earth’s white crust where it lay down
Does bow the oaken branch to fall.
’Tis solstice now, account ye sins
Repent ye beggars one and all.

Chorus:
For greater than the will of man
Or want of that which can be done;
It falls and shines on where we stand
Beneath the great unconquered sun.