- This article is for the song. For the sword, see Need (sword).
Sung by the magical sword Need.
Listen on YouTube
Lyrics[]
My mother was a blacksmith, my father was the flame
My midwife was the Goddess giving power with my name.
And I was born of fury to avenge my people's shame.
I am Need, I am Need, I am Need
There was an ancient temple, the Goddess pledged it so.
A Holy woman's haven where no man should ever go.
A tyrant came to raid and laid its last defender low
I am Need, I am Need, I am Need
He slaughtered, raped, and plundered and then went on his way
And spared no thought for any that he hadn't chanced to slay
Such as the Temple's blacksmith still alive among his prey
I am Need, I am Need, I am Need
My glowing forge was ready and so I made appeal
I prayed the Goddess bless my task and make its power real.
I cast a spell, a sky stone and my soul into the steel
I am Need, I am Need, I am Need
And when my work was ended, there stood a mighty blade
That answers only to the hand of women unafraid
A thing of power and magic like no weapon ever made
I am Need, I am Need, I am Need
My student found my body, a broken, bloody shell
She knew this mage's spirit had fled to the sword to dwell
She took the blade I had become and vowed to use it well
I am Need, I am Need, I am Need
We blooded first a vengeance against that tyrant's crew
My student bore me to them and most hungrily I slew
I gave her strength and skill beyond all that she ever knew
I am Need, I am Need, I am Need
And from that hour onward across the world I've gone
The cause for which my Goddess shaped me ever drives me on
Wherever man abuses woman there this sword is drawn
I am Need, I am Need, I am Need
I answer need of woman, for her I turn aside
I hasten to her rescue and I will not be denied
A thousand woman slayers by my edge and point have died
I am Need, I am Need, I am Need
Notes[]
- The Valdemar Companion credits Leslie Fish for this song.
- The Youtube description credits Mercedes Lackey/Juanita Coulson for the song, but lists Coulson as the singer, and only credits Fish for the arrangement.
- The Filk Discography Wiki displays the cassette liner notes, which credit "Fish& Coulson" for the song (seeming to imply that they wrote the lyrics together?), Coulson as the singer, Fish for the arrangement, and Cecilia Eng for the arrangement and midi programming.