I've watched him from my cabin window

For fifteen winters strong

That old alpha on the ridgeline

Teaching me right from wrong

Up here in these mountains where the pine trees sway

I've studied nature's patterns day by day

Through my binoculars at morning light

Watching leadership play out in black and white

Been tracking movements through the fresh-fallen snow

Learning lessons that most folks don't know

And that's when I first caught sight of him

Silver-backed warrior, fierce and grim

Leading his family through wind and rain

Teaching cubs to hunt across the plain

But lately I've noticed his stride grow slow

As winter winds begin to blow

His pack still follows, loyal and true

While younger wolves are coming through

Something in his eyes tells me tonight

The mountain's changing in the pale moonlight

When you've ruled these hills for so many years

Time becomes the only thing to fear

Even kings of the mountain

Gotta lay their crown down

Nature's law is certain

No escape to be found

When your time comes calling

There ain't no stalling

Even kings of the mountain

Gotta lay their crown down

Let me break it down like this

Through fifteen seasons of hit and miss

I've documented every kill and chase

Watched him lead with power and grace

But now his muzzle's turning grey

Young wolves challenging every day

Circle tight and circle wide

Testing if he'll step aside

His mate still walks close by his side

As winter storms begin to ride

Across these peaks we call our home

Where lessons are written in blood and bone

(And I swear I heard him howling)

A farewell to his crown

(And I swear the pack was calling)

As the snow came down

(And I knew what he was saying)

Time to step away

(And I felt what he was feeling)

No choice but to obey

This morning brought a different scene

Younger alpha, coat so clean

Leading where the old king led

And somewhere in my heart, I dread

The knowledge of what had to be

Nature's raw nobility

But that old wolf taught me well

More than words could ever tell

Even kings of the mountain

Gotta lay their crown down

Nature's law is certain

No escape to be found

When your time comes calling

There ain't no stalling

Even kings of the mountain

(Even kings of the mountain)

Even kings of the mountain

Gotta lay their crown down

And I'll watch from my window still

For the next king of this hill