Charge

The song 'Charge' by Crumbsuckers paints a vivid picture of a medieval jousting match, where two knights compete for the ultimate prize: the hand of a princess and the power that comes with it. The lyrics set the stage with a historical date, 'Eighteen and eight,' and describe the high stakes of the competition. The king has decreed that the winner of the match will marry the princess, a virgin maid destined to be queen. This sets up a classic tale of chivalry, ambition, and the pursuit of power.

The song delves into the motivations of the two competing knights. One knight dreams of joining the noble line and spreading joy throughout the land, while the other harbors darker ambitions of overthrowing the king and ruling with an iron fist. This contrast highlights the dual nature of ambition—one driven by noble intentions and the other by a lust for power. The repeated refrain, 'Horns shall sound, hooves will pound, Fear fills each man's head,' captures the tension and fear that both knights feel as they prepare for the life-or-death battle.

As the match progresses, the lyrics describe the physical and emotional toll on the knights. The imagery of 'sweat drips 'neath steel armature' and 'a lunge too far to the left' brings the intensity of the joust to life. The repeated command to 'Charge!' emphasizes the relentless drive and determination of the knights, each hoping to emerge victorious. Ultimately, the song captures the essence of medieval chivalry, the pursuit of power, and the high stakes of love and ambition.