This song helped me through some tough times in high school so it resonates with me still. If you've never heard it, I hope you enjoy it.
Fran Walsh, Howard Shore, Annie Lennox
Into the West
Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You have come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across a 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
Your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You have come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across a 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
I heard "Into the West" on my mission. I had the unfortunate timing of seeing the first two LOTR movies in person and then had an almost three year wait for the third. A lover of soundtrack music, (thankfully that my mission president allowed) I got a hold of this one and was moved by these words:
ReplyDeleteWhy 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
I was going through so much internally, and though I knew it was written for a few weary movie characters, the multiple meanings of those words struck me and I listened to the song on repeat until my companion almost went crazy.
It talks of generations, of peace, of journeys taken, lives lived and does so in a memorizing melody. Lest I sound too evangelistic for this particular song, I do realize that it is a simplified view emotionally driven.
But at that time in my life when I was struggling internally to find help through the tough times of coming out, it mattered a great deal, especially after hours and hours of the only other two MOTAB CDs in the apartment.
Life is for living. And we can journey through the darkness on our own or collectively in the light. I choose to see the light, to be positive and upbeat, helping others along the way and accepting help as I need it.
What can you see on the horizon?
Thanks for you comment! I'm glad this song was able to help you through hard times as well. Music is a universal language and can help and heal in ways that nothing else can.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful song. I've always liked Anne Lennox but after hearing this, I fell in love! Thanks for sharing, Nicholas!
ReplyDelete