From the recording Charlemagne
In his book, Come as You Are: Sermons on the Lord’s Supper, Alex Gondola tells a story of Charlemagne, the greatest Christian ruler of the early Middle Ages.
After the death of Charlemagne, a mighty funeral procession left his castle for the cathedral at Aix. When the royal casket arrived, with a lot of pomp and circumstance, it was met by the local bishop, who barred the cathedral door.
"Who comes?" the bishop asked, as was the custom.
"Charlemagne, Lord and King of the Holy Roman Empire", proclaimed the Emperor’s proud herald.
"Him I know not," the bishop replied. "Who comes?"
The herald, a bit shaken, replied, "Charles the Great, a good and honest man of the earth."
"Him, I know not," the bishop said again. "Who comes?"
The herald answered in desperation, "Charles, a lowly sinner, who begs the gift of Christ."
To which the bishop responded, "Enter!"
This songs was inspired by this story.
Lyrics
Leader of peoples. Man of ideals. Valiant commander on foreign fields. Strong with his scepter. Fearless but full of faith and wisdom too. History lifts our hat to you.
There is a mansion to be claimed. There is a kingdom to be reigned. Not for the greatness one can gain, not even you Charlemagne.
The throngs will celebrate your fame. Carry your memory like a flame. But when the entrance test is sought, we best fear the words “I know him not.”
So broken and helpless. Reduced to one. Desperate as beggars we all come.
There is a mansion to be claimed. There is a kingdom to be reigned. Not for the greatness one can gain. As beggars and orphans we are claimed. Finding our refuge in his name. Just children before our Lord of Grace, even you Charlemagne. Even you Charlemagne. Me and you Charlemagne.