The salt air bites the heavy stone
A lonely watchman stands alone
He sees the white sails cut the blue
The morning light is sharp and true
Bronze shields gleam in the Aegean sun
The battle for the coast is won
Temple bells call the gods from high
Gold fire burning in the sky
The olive groves are deep and green
The richest sight he's ever seen
Red wine flows in the marble hall
The ancient city stands so tall
Bronze shields gleam in the Aegean sun
The battle for the coast is won
Temple bells call the gods from high
Gold fire burning in the sky
The sailors bring the purple dye
Underneath a cloudless sky
They trade the silk and heavy grain
Before the coming of the rain
Heavy iron, polished bright
Turning day into the light
Cold currents pull the anchor deep
While the tired sailors sleep
The temple stairs are worn and grey
Where the weary pilgrims pray
They leave their coins upon the floor
And open up the heavy door
Bronze shields gleam in the Aegean sun
The battle for the coast is won
Temple bells call the gods from high
Gold fire burning in the sky
The oil lamp flickers in the breeze
The wind is humming through the trees
He writes the log in ink and black
Until the summer ships come back
Bronze shields gleam in the Aegean sun
The battle for the coast is won
Temple bells call the gods from high
Gold fire burning in the sky
Let the bells ring.
Just gold and salt.
Aegean sun.
