WHEN THE SUN WAS RISING

(Ancient Lithuanian war song)




When the sun was rising
Brother was saddling the horse
Rise, dear sister, verdant flower
Light a bright flame

I rose early in the morning
Washed my face
I will bid farewell to father and mother
For we may not meet again

While riding down the road
While spurring on my horse
Oh, I saw a dear maiden
In the granary, near a chest

Oh why are you opening the chest?
Why are you cutting the linen?
I will not wear your shirt
While I am a soldier

The king will give us his horses
Horses with proud saddles
We will be dressed alike
Like a mother's sons

Mountains will fall into the forest
Rivers will flow with blood
Yet we will stand solidly
Until we defeat our enemy