New Year's Day, dawning wet on Britain's shore
King's hall roused by a pounding on the door
A giant knight dressed in green, never seen before
Hefts an axe and holds it high and lets a challenge roar:
"You craven men, may fear dishonour but you fear my vengeance more"

That's fear that chills you like a wraith
And it's doubt you gird about your waist
It's rare the man who'll hold to faith 
And face me in the morning

Sir Gawain, pagan prince of northern isles
Shouted, "Shame on you brothers! On your silence!"
Took the axe and struck his blow, brought the giant low
Raised his head and held it high and met the giant's eye
And cried, "I'll meet your vengeance in a year and we'll see who'll die, You or I"

That's fear that chills you like a wraith
But hope you gird about your waist
It's rare the man who'll hold to faith 
And face me in the morning

Summer gone and Gawain leaves upon his quest
Five point star, sign of faith upon his chest
Seeks his foe, travels west, not knowing where to go
No clue until a baroness has promised aid to show
But only if he stay as guest within her bower three days, no less

That's fear that chills you like a wraith
But hope you gird about your waist
It's rare the man who'll hold to faith 
And face me in the morning

She plays the maid but vain the baroness' hope
Gawain's not swayed, another lady holds his oath
She offers body, offers land, but each advance is spurned
She puts a belt into his hand: a gift of magic earned by constancy
In face of all temptation, to his given word

That's fear that chills you like a wraith
But hope you gird about your waist
It's rare the man who'll hold to faith 
And face me in the morning

New Year's Day, dawning wet on Britain's shore
Gawain meets the same green knight once more
A man who laughs and gives his hand instead of Charon's fee
Gawain at last perceives his god and bends a reverent knee

"Take and wear my Lady's belt", the Green Man gladly cries
"And see to it you serve us well in all the paths of life
Be constant and be faithful, wear that belt for all to see"
That a man came here for justice and he left here blessed by me

Left here blessed by me
Left here blessed by me