Lyrics The Rhodesian Lion Emblem - John Edmond

The Rhodesian Lion emblem
Is a symbol of courage and strength
On the flag that is flown and proudly worn
By all of our regiments
But this is a song of the very first one
That's endured through history
Depicting courage in battle and here's how it came to be
On the banks of the Shangani River
In the wilds of an African land
Against the brave Matabele
Young troopers they made their last stand
And when the last shot it was fired
And ammunition was done
Behind fallen horses fought hand to hand
With never a notion to run
In the eerie silence that followed
Three hundred warriors lay dead
And the blood of 34 troopers
Flowed in a torrent of red
Khumalo the Impi Commander
Broke silence and in a loud voice
Said "they fought to the death like young lions
But they were just beardless young boys"
The Rhodesian Lion emblem
Is a symbol of courage and strength
On the flag that is flown and proudly worn
By all of our regiments
But this is a song of the very first one
That's endured through history
Depicting courage in battle and here's how it came to be
To go hunting a wounded young lion
With shield club and assegai
Beware of his spirit and courage
Or many are destined to die
Over the shields of our warriors
With a spear piercing deep in his chest
See the young lion advancing
To battle with pride in his breast
When you see a young lion upon your badge
And you wonder from whence it came
The image was struck on the medals
Of the troopers in that campaign
It's the symbol of courage and bravery
Of warriors of days that are gone
Wear it with pride no matter the side
No matter the side you were on
The Rhodesian Lion emblem
Is a symbol of courage and strength
On the flag that is flown and proudly worn
By all of our regiments
But this is a song of the very first one
That's endured through history
Depicting courage in battle and here's how it came to be
That's how it came to be
That's how it came to be