You never know where a spark of inspiration will come from. A funny story about the humble beginnings of this song. When Wilhelm and Vienna were on the throne, I had been thumbing through some awards, writing some folks in. I had seen this one award, called the “Gold Lyre” and from that moment I decided I wanted it more than anything. I had this grand plan to compose a song about inspiration and then corner Vienna and sing it for her. This would hopefully spark her to grant me the golden lyre award. Fast forward, I chickened out. However, I still had the humble beginnings of the song.
Fast forward a few years later, I had completely forgotten about this song and it was sitting in the depths of my google drive, never to see the light of day. A friend of mine, Roiberd Mac Neil had just received his writ to join the Order of the Laurel. As part of his “In Case Of Peerage” was to have me make music. He requested that I write a song for the Laurels. He spoke about the knights having “Weight of the Chain” by Aneleda Falconbridge but he wanted something for the artists. Who was I to compose for the peers? I myself simply have AOA level awards. Aneleda is an incredible composer of whom I respect her work immensely. I couldn’t see my work standing up to hers. I, however, would do anything for Roiberd, so I agreed.
I knew what I wanted the subject matter to be, but the words just wouldn’t come out. I sat on this for months before creativity struck. I was digging through my google drive and stumbled upon the above musings. I started to write and rewrite. This went through atleast 9 revisions before I was somewhat happy. Then, the music…. the music just wasn’t flourishing as it should. I spent the next few weeks listening to some of my favorite symphonic metal, folk metal and general Euro metals bands until the melody hit me.
As the melody sank into my soul, it was time to rewrite the words yet again. Below, is the final text:
The Spark– By Solveig Bjarnardottir (MKA Ren Haywood)
All our senses spark the drive
Of A kinship for all to see
A new life blooms, breeds skill to thrive
Which ignite the flames with ease
Passing knowledge, hope all will hear
We press forward, now back to see
The growing paths becoming clearer
All our dreams run wild and free
Each has a muse, a burning fire
Our labors ne’er seems to cease
A moment more drives our desire
The spark that lights the East
We made a path, dragged more along
Surpassing all our wildest dreams
The journey’s harsh, but you’ll grow strong
Your treasured art shines as it gleams
Spent countless hours, late at night
Just to watch each pass our skill
Climbing mountains, reach new heights
A sense of pride, is deep instilled
Each has a muse, a burning fire
Our labors ne’er seems to cease
A moment more drives our desire
The spark that lights the East
Each has a muse, a burning fire
Our labors ne’er seems to cease
A moment more drives our desire
The spark that lights the East
The spark that lights the East
The spark that lights the East
The Recording:
Meddlings of the Minnesinger 