Clay and straw make a wall
Where the river runs deep
Ancient kings stand so tall
While the tired cities sleep
Gold in the mountain vein
Salt in the summer rain
Build it high and build it wide
Turn the current with the tide
Across the map the borders run
Racing toward a rising sun
Iron plows cut the loam
Burning oil in the lamp
A wandering soldier's home
In a cold and muddy camp
Gold in the mountain vein
Salt in the summer rain
Build it high and build it wide
Turn the current with the tide
Across the map the borders run
Racing toward a rising sun
Marble stairs lead the way
To a throne of polished stone
Ships set sail in the bay
Where the salty winds have blown
The ink is wet upon the page
A brand new world and a brand new age
Tear the old scrolls from the shelf
Every nation finds itself
Build it high and build it wide
Turn the current with the tide
Across the map the borders run
Racing toward a rising sun
Glass and steel touch the blue
Copper wires hum a song Everything starts anew
Where the heavy bells belong
Build it high and build it wide
Turn the current with the tide
Across the map the borders run
Racing toward a rising sun
Keep the lamp burning bright
Into the morning light
The great map is finally done.
