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Intothewest

"Into the West" is a song written by Fran Walsh, Howard Shore, and Annie Lennox, and sung by Lennox during the closing credits of the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

History[]

As of its fame, the song has also been sung by New Zealand singer Yulia Townsend for her album.

The song was conceived as a bittersweet Elvish lament for those who have sailed across the Sundering Sea.

In the commentaries and documentaries accompanying the extended edition of the movie, Peter Jackson explains that the piece was partially inspired by the premature death from cancer of a young New Zealand filmmaker named Cameron Duncan, whose work had impressed Jackson and his team. The first public performance of the song was at Duncan's funeral.

"Into the West" won the Oscar for Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song) at the 76th Academy Awards, one of the movie's eleven Academy Awards.

Lyrics[]

Lay down,
your sweet and weary head.
Night is falling,
You have come to journey’s end.

Sleep now, and dream
of ones who came before.
They are calling,
from across the distant shore.

Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see,
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms,
you’re only sleeping.

What can you see,
on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea,
a pale moon rises.
The ships have come
to carry you home.
And all will turn
to silver glass.
A light on the water,
All souls pass.

Hope fades,
Into the world of night.
Through shadows falling,
Out of memory and time.

Don’t say,
We have come now to the end.
White shores are calling.
You and I will meet again.
And you’ll be here in my arms,
Just sleeping.

What can you see,
on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea,
a pale moon rises.
The ships have come
to carry you home.

And all will turn
to silver glass.
A light on the water,
Grey ships pass
Into the West.

External Links[]

Into the West music video

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