gone you sons of darkness
gone you tyrants of old
from the land where we hear lautari playing
here in the outfield of europe
a cry for freedom was heard
rang out to the world
and we all stood watching
hold the light
keep it burning so bright
for the children

copii romania
must they live so long in the shadows
copii romania
will we turn and say
like many times before
we did not know?

once there was a proud people
filled with laughter and song
could they feel something wrong
through the air was blowing?
here by the mighty karpatii
the fight for freedom began
the fight for life still goes on
but no-one listens any more

hold the light
keep it burning so bright
for the children

copii romania
must they live so long in the shadows
copii romania
will we turn and say
like many times before
we did not know?