Lyrics of Carolus Rex by Sabaton

All embrace me
It’s my time to rule at last
Fifteen years have I been waiting
To sit upon my throne

No allegiance
I will swear no oath
Crowned by god not by the church
As my power is divine

They thought I was too young to rule the land
Just as they failed to understand
Born to rule
My time has come

I was chosen by heaven
Say my name when you pray
To the skies
See Carolus rise
With the lord my protector
Make them bow to my will
To the skies
See Carolus rise

To the skies
See Carolus rise

Proved in battle
Led my men to victory
No man alive or dead commands me
I answer to the Lord

Hear my orders
Question me and die
What I say was said in heaven
And so it shall be done

I know I was destined to rule alone
All for myself I have claimed the throne
Born to rule
My time is now

I was chosen by heaven
Say my name when you pray
To the skies
See Carolus rise
With the lord my protector
Make them bow to my will
To the skies
See Carolus rise

To the skies

See Carolus rise
Framåt Karoliner
Fiendens dom är här
Låt oss krossa dom
Kasta in dom genom helvetets portar

All that’s thine shall be mine, there’s no stopping me
All over Europe my rule shall be questioned by none

All I see give to me, that is my decree
My will be done

They thought I was too young to rule the land
Just as they failed to understand
Born to rule
My time is now

Historical Background

In short: The song is about the Swedish King Charles XII and the Swedish Empire.

Carolus Rex – The Rise of Sweden’s Warrior King

Some kings inherit their throne. Others take it by force.

Sabaton’s Carolus Rex isn’t just a song—it’s the anthem of an unstoppable king, a ruler who believed he was chosen by God himself. This is the story of Charles XII of Sweden—the warrior-king who turned his nation into a superpower and led it into glory, war, and ultimate downfall.

Let’s break it down.

The Boy Who Became King

“They thought I was too young to rule the land, just as they failed to understand.”

In 1697, Charles XII became King of Sweden at just 15 years old. The world thought he was too young, too inexperienced, too weak to rule.

They were wrong.

Instead of being a puppet king, Charles took full control—ignoring advisors, refusing alliances, and ruling with an iron will.

“No allegiance, I will swear no oath. Crowned by God, not by the Church, as my power is divine.”

He believed his rule was divine—that he answered only to God. And with that mindset, he led Sweden into the Great Northern War (1700–1721)—one of the most brutal conflicts in European history.

The Great Northern War – Sweden vs. Everyone

“All that’s thine shall be mine, there’s no stopping me. All over Europe my rule shall be questioned by none.”

Charles didn’t inherit peace. He inherited war.

The moment he became king, Sweden was attacked by Russia, Denmark, Poland, and Saxony—all thinking they could carve up the Swedish Empire.

But Charles? He didn’t run.

Instead, he crushed Denmark in weeks.
Then he defeated the Russians at Narva in 1700, despite being outnumbered 4 to 1.

Sweden wasn’t just surviving—it was dominating.

The March on Europe – A King Without Limits

“Hear my orders, question me and die. What I say was said in heaven, and so it shall be done.”

Charles XII didn’t just defend Sweden—he invaded.

  • 1701-1706 – He marched through Poland and forced its king to abdicate.
  • 1708 – He invaded Russia, planning to destroy Peter the Great before Russia could rise.

But this was his fatal mistake.

At the Battle of Poltava (1709), the Russian winter, disease, and exhaustion weakened his army.

Russia struck back—and Sweden lost its first major battle.

Charles fled to the Ottoman Empire, refusing to accept defeat. For five years, he plotted his return.

The Final Stand – The Death of Carolus Rex

“Born to rule, my time is now.”

In 1714, Charles came back. Not to retreat—but to fight.

Even as Sweden’s empire crumbled, he never surrendered. He personally led invasions into Norway, trying to rebuild his lost glory.

But in 1718, at the Siege of Fredriksten, Charles was shot in the head.

No one knows who fired the fatal bullet—but his death marked the end of Sweden’s age of dominance.

Why Carolus Rex Still Matters

This isn’t just a story about a king—it’s about power, belief, and destiny.

  • Charles transformed Sweden into a military powerhouse.
  • He believed he was chosen by God to rule—and fought like it.
  • His death marked the end of Sweden’s empire—but his legend lived on.

“Say my name when you pray, to the skies—see Carolus rise!”

Even today, Charles XII is one of the most debated rulers in history. Some see him as a military genius, others as a reckless ruler who led Sweden to ruin.

One thing is certain: he never bowed, never surrendered, and never backed down.

The Lesson?

Power means nothing without strategy.

Carolus Rex won countless battles—but one mistake cost him everything.

Because in the end? Even kings fall.

About Niels

Niels believes every historical event has its own rhythm, every era its unique melody, and every story its untold song. He brings history to life, capturing the essence of pivotal moments, fascinating figures, and the cultural transformations that shaped our world. His work makes history not only informative but deeply emotional and memorable.

On this website, you’ll discover his latest songs, insights into his creative process, and curated playlists of his favorite historical tunes. Join Niels on this melodic adventure where every note tells a story, and every story inspires a song.


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