The Rains of Castamere (song)

The Rains of Castamere is a famous song in the world of Game of Thrones. The version used in the TV series was recorded by the American rock band, The National, and appeared on the Game of Thrones Season 2 Soundtrack.

Lyrics

 * ''And who are you, the proud lord said,
 * ''that I must bow so low?
 * ''Only a cat of a different coat,
 * ''that's all the truth I know.
 * ''In a coat of gold or a coat of red,
 * ''a lion still has claws,
 * ''And mine are long and sharp, my lord,
 * ''as long and sharp as yours.
 * ''And so he spoke, and so he spoke,
 * ''that lord of Castamere,
 * ''But now the rains weep o'er his hall,
 * ''with no one there to hear.
 * ''Yes now the rains weep o'er his hall,
 * and not a soul to hear.

In the books
In the Song of Ice and Fire novels, the Rains of Castamere was written after Tywin Lannister came to power as Lord of Casterly Rock. His father had been a good man, but a weak ruler who had allowed vassal houses to stop paying taxes and treat him and the Lannister name with contempt. After coming to power, Tywin ruthlessly destroyed the most blatant rebels, House Reyne of Castamere, in a spectacular display of his power.

The song is often played in honor of Lord Tywin and his house.