Into the West

I only just finished watching a large chunk of documentary concerning the production of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. It ends with the goodbye parties and ceremonies and speeches of each castmember at the conclusion of filming. It's touching and tearful experience on many levels even if you haven't followed the making of these movies as I have, and it ties in very well with the song composed for the end credits of the final movie. The song is called "Into the West," and I have adopted it somewhat as an anthem for endings and goodbyes in general of which I have currently experienced many. Taking a leaf from TorontoPearl's wonderful book, these are the lyrics.

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.

DonÂ’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 know the song is rather rife with "Lord of the Rings" symbolism and reference, and of course I am biased (the first time I heard it I burst into tears), but I think it maintains a certain untouchably poignant sentiment nonetheless.