Songs of Tolkien

"As for myself," said Eomer, "I have little knowledge of these deep matters; but I need it not."
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High Lord of Imladris
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Honestly I really don't have a better witty title for this thread so the basics are this if you have a song that you really feel is Tolkien based share it here, feel free to discuss why and what parts make you think Tolkien, which parts make you question if it's really tolkien based or just your over Tolkien happy mind etc.

I am going to start with Ramble On by Led Zeppelin
https://youtu.be/l7fdZnuCY6A
Leaves are falling all around
It's time I was on my way
Thanks to you I'm much obliged
For such a pleasant stay
But now it's time for me to go
The autumn moon lights my way
For now I smell the rain
And with it pain
And it's headed my way
Ah, sometimes I grow so tired
But I know I've got one thing I got to do
Ramble on
And now's the time, the time is now
To sing my song
I'm goin' 'round the world, I got to find my girl
On my way
I've been this way ten years to the day
Ramble on
Gotta find the queen of all my dreams
Got no time for spreadin' roots
The time has come to be gone
And thoough our health we drank a thousand times
It's time to ramble on
Ramble on
And now's the time, the time is now
To sing my song
I'm going 'round the world, I got to find my girl
On my way
I've been this way ten years to the day
I gotta ramble on
I gotta find the queen of all my dreams
I ain't tellin' no lie
Mine's a tale that can't be told
My freedom I hold dear
How years ago in days of old
When magic filled the air
'T was in the darkest depths of Mordor
I met a girl so fair
But Gollum, and the evil one
Crept up and slipped away with her
Her, her, yeah
Ain't nothing I can do, no
I guess I keep on rambling
I'm gonna, yeah, yeah, yeah
Sing my song (I gotta find my baby)
I gotta ramble on, sing my song
Gotta work my way around the world baby, baby
Ramble on, yeah
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, my baby
Doo, doo, doo, doo
Doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo
I gotta keep searching for my baby
(Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby)
I gotta keep-a-searchin' for my baby
(My, my, my, my, my, my, my baby)
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
I can't find my bluebird
I listen to my bluebird sing
I can't find my bluebird
I keep rambling, baby
I keep rambling, baby

This song is a known inspired heavily by JRR Tolkiens LOTR We've got My Girl/My baby representing the one Ring, we've got leaving in autumn (right around when Frodos quest started) We've got a direct mention of Gollum and Mordor and Gollum slipping away with her (I feel this is a good allusion to the destruction of the ring itself)

And that he keeps looking for it may be the fact he constantly wears a white jewel on a chain afterwards treating it as if it were the ring.

Of course feel free to add more or point out flaws in my logic :winkkiss:
Sereg a Dîn

Ent Ancient
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I am so glad you posted this! I was thinking about it a few weeks ago but I wasn't sure where the right place to post would be... I love this song and Led Zeppelin (though I have to say The Battle of Evermore is one of my all-time favorites by them - next one to discuss?).

I would have said similar to your overall interpretations. These two lines stuck out at me when I just read through the lyrics -
"Got no time for spreadin' roots
The time has come to be gone"
It really reminded me of Frodo feeling alone and as if he were walking to his death and doom as well as all the times he tried to leave his friends behind and go on alone.

High Lord of Imladris
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Honestly I did suggest for this particular forum section to be renamed Media Adaptations but who know if that'll happen! Glad I wasn't the only one confused though. I Whole heartedly agree you should post the battle of Evermore next! I honestly don't think I've ever heard it as I tend to not listen to Zeppelin too much (and Ramble on is a radio song on ALL the time) So I'd say feel free to post it soon as honestly I'm not sure how much more we can talk about Ramble on lol

I do like your interpretations of those two lines, it does very very much feel like that is the case, especially when they are just leaving Crickhollow when he was about to tell them all well I know we just moved me here but I'm leaving. Also works for times when he was breaking away from the fellowship.
Sereg a Dîn

Scavenger
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I've never heard that song before, it goes right on my LOTR playlist! :D

I've always felt that "Abandoned" by Kamelot was very Tolkien-themed, or Sauron-themed more like. Officially it's inspired by Goethe's Faust, but both the singer's voice and the lyrics seem to me like it's Sauron singing at some point after Morgoth's fall, before he makes the decision to continue on as a Dark Lord in his own might. The first verse relates to his own corruption ("Nightfall came like a serpent's kiss") and the refrain is this brief sliver of doubt where he cries out, to Melkor or perhaps even Eru; the "river wide" could be the Sea that parts Middle-Earth and Aman or Ekkaia. The woman's voice could be a memory; perhaps he heard Luthien sing before Morgoth? Or perhaps it is Thuringwethil.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkNXiC6XwJE

Once my life was plain and clear
I recall
Once my ignorance was bliss
Nighfall came
Like a serpent's kiss
To my troubled mind


Why oh why my God
Have you abandoned me
In my sobriety
Behind the old facade
I'm your bewildered child
So take me cross the river wide


Binding promises were made
On my soul
Grand delusions lead astray
Ice-cold wings swept my heart away
Bring me back to you


I remember a song
Like in a dream
Where September was long
And winter unreal


Why oh why my God
Have you abandoned me
In my sobriety
Behind the old facade
I'm your bewildered child
So take me cross the river wide
Per viam, puto quod opus est mundo tumultus orcorum.

High Lord of Imladris
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Ohhh very nice! I've never heard of this song or band before. On first read I definitely see very much the Faust inspiration it it but it certainly does have the ability to fall into the Sauron theming as you mentioned.

The first verse I'd say is his fall from grace, and falling in with Melkor. Where as the chorus might be a cry to Eru or perhaps Aule who was who he originally worked under.

The second one is about just how far he fell that he made promises and and that he can't go back, the only part that reallly doesn't feel like it fits is Bring me back to you.... Seems like a plea for redemption which unless I'm mistaken never really happens. He fell completely and utterly.

And I'd say the female voice is more likely Luthien of those two.

Khazad Elder
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This song by Rush is supposedly heavily influenced by Tolkien's mythology. I have, though, found no info from Rush stating this fact. I am sure you can pick out the Tolkien parts, eh?

THE NECROMANCER
Music: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson
Lyrics: Neil Peart

I. Into Darkness
As grey traces of dawn tinge the eastern sky, the three travelers, men of Willow Dale, emerge from the forest shadow. Fording the River Dawn, they turn south, journeying into the dark and forbidding lands of the Necromancer. Even now the intensity of his dread power can be felt, weakening the body and saddening the heart. Ultimately they will become empty, mindless spectres. Stripped of will and soul. Only a thirst for freedom gives them hunger for vengeance…

Silence shrouds the forest
As the birds announce the dawn
Three travellers ford the river
And southward journey on
The road is lined with peril
The air is charged with fear
The shadow of his nearness
Weighs like iron tears

II. Under the Shadow
Shreds of black cloud loom in overcast skies, the Necromancer keeps watch with his magic prism eyes. He views all his lands and is already aware of the three helpless invaders trapped in his lair…

Brooding in the tower
Watching o’er his land
Holding every creature
Helplessly they stand
Gaze into his prisms
Knowing they are near
Lead them to the dungeons
Spectres numb with fear
They bow defeated

III. Return of the Prince
Enter, the Champion, Prince By-Tor appears to battle for freedom from chains of long years. The spell has been broken…the Dark Lands are bright, the Wraith of the Necromancer soars away…in the night

Stealthily attacking
By-Tor slays his foe
The men are free to run now
From labyrinths below
The Wraith of Necromancer
Shadows through the sky
Another land to darken
With evil prism eye…

Terminat hora diem; terminat auctor opus
The world was fair in Durin's Day

Chief Counsellor of Gondor
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Led Zeppelin's "Ramble On" is one of my favorites, when it comes to songs inspired by Tolkien. Another group I'm a fan of is Rush and Neil Peart with the lyrics for "Rivendell."

Rivendell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G-zanqLD3M

Sunlight dances through the leaves
Soft winds stir the sighing trees
Lying in the warm grass
Feel the sun upon your face
Elfin songs and endless nights
Sweet wine and soft relaxing lights
Time will never touch you
Here in this enchanted place

You feel there's something calling you
You're wanting to return
To where the misty mountains rise and friendly fires burn
A place you can escape the world
Where the dark Lord cannot go
Peace of mind and sanctuary by loud water's flow

I've traveled now for many miles
It feels so good to see the smiles of
Friends who never left your mind
When you were far away
From the golden light of coming dawn
Till the twilight where the sun is gone
We treasure ev'ry season
And ev'ry passing day

We feel the coming of a new day
Darkness gives way to light a new way
Stop here for a while until the world,
The world calls you away
Yet you know I've had the feeling
Standing with my senses reeling
This is the place to grow old till
I reach my final day
A Loquacious Loreman.
he/him
Tis the season of Sean Bean prequel shows

High Lord of Imladris
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So this song is one that when I first heard it I was like OHHH! Turin! But honestly it goes way off tangent but the song itself the title made me think of it when I bought the CD years ago though I'll admit I bought it for a different song not this one

Black Blade - Blue Oyster Cult

I have this feeling that my luck is none too good
This sword here at my side don't act the way it should
Keeps calling me its master, but I feel like its slave
Hauling me faster and faster to an early, early grave
And it howls, it howls like hell
I'm told it's my duty to fight against the law
That wizardry's my trade and I was born to wade through gore
I just want to be a lover, not a red-eyed screaming ghoul
I wish it'd picked another to be its killing tool
Black blade! Black blade!
Forged a billion years ago
Black blade! Black blade!
Killing so its power can grow
There's death from the beginning to the end of time
And I'm the cosmic champion and I hold a mystic sign
And the whole world's dying and the burdens mine
And the black sword keeps on killing 'til the end of time
Black blade! Black blade!
Bringing chaos to the world we know
Black blade! Black blade!
And its using me to kill my friends
Black blade! Black blade!
Getting stronger so the world will end
Black blade! Black blade!
Forcing my mind to bend and bend
The black blade
Forged a million billion years ago
My cosmic sword goes on for eternity
Carving out destiny
Bringing in the lords of chaos
Bringing up the beasts of Hades
Sucking out the souls of heroes
Laying waste to knights and ladies
My master is my slave
Ha ha ah ha ah ha!
I feel parts of it fit well - waging against the Law he was a bandit for a time, using Turin to kill his friends (Though that's a bit off but could work well there), as well as the I want to be a lover... And of course the hauling me to an early grave.

Ent Ancient
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Nice to see Ramble On mentioned! Another great song I totally forgot about!
I definitely do see Turin in that song, Fuin! Thanks for sharing, not sure I'd heard that one before.

Led Zeppelin's Battle of Evermore is one of my favorites by them (featuring gorgeous mandolin!) and has some rather obvious references to Tolkien but also to Avalon. I mostly see the Battle of Pelennor Fields here which is probably the most obvious interpretation with images of battle, horses, "waiting for the eastern glow", the castle walls and Ringwraiths though "the sky is filled with good and bad" reminds me of the Battle of the Morannon with Eagles taking on Fell beasts.
The Queen of Light took her bow and then she turned to go
The Prince of Peace embraced the gloom and walked the night alone

Oh, dance in the dark night, sing to the morning light
The Dark Lord rides in force tonight, and time will tell us all
Oh, throw down your plow and hoe, race now to my bow
Side by side we wait the might, of the darkest of them all

I hear the horses thunder down in the valley below
I’m waiting for the angels of Avalon, waiting for the eastern glow

The apples of the valley hold the seeds of happiness
The ground is rich from tender care, which they do not forget, no, no
Dance in the dark night, sing to the morning light
The apples turn to brown and black, the tyrant’s face is red

Oh, war is the common cry, pick up your swords and fly
The sky is filled with good and bad, mortals never know
Oh well, the night is long, the beads of time pass slow
Tired eyes on the sunrise, waiting for the eastern glow

The pain of war cannot exceed the woe of aftermath
The drums will shake the castle wall, the Ringwraiths ride in black, ride on

Sing as you raise your bow, shoot straighter than before
No comfort has the fire at night that lights the face so cold
Oh, dance in the dark night, sing to the morning light
The magic runes are writ in gold to bring the balance back, bring it back

At last the sun is shining, the clouds of blue roll by
With flames from the dragon of darkness, the sunlight blinds his eyes
(Written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant

Doorwarden of The Mark
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Any songs by the Finnish band Battlelore.
And the album 'Nightfall in Middle-earth' by Blind Guardian.
Some of the songs by both bands directly mention Tolkien names but many of the songs don't.
Oh, and of course 'The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins' by Leonard Nimoy:
https://youtu.be/V3fZhJN4Tdc
:dance:

High Lord of Imladris
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Never heard of Battlelore or Blind Guardian! Will have to look them up in the future when it's not so late where I am and I have better internet for streaming!

And YES I was wondering when someone would mention The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins! Thanks for these @Mattie

New Soul
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Blind Guardian is a cult classic! At least in Europe, since they're from Germany. :grin: I was at a couple of their concerts <3 they're great performers. The energy and connection with the crowd! Amazing! <3 Busted my knee at one of their concerts :lol: I think that happened in Ljubljana :confused: Good times though :lol: :grin:
She/her.
Solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant
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Doorwarden of The Mark
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@Fuin Elda they're both metal bands. Battlore is beauty and the beast style. Some of their songs include Finnish and Elvish lyrics.
Blind Guardian is power metal.
I was suprised not to see it mentioned too.

@Nessa Saelind :thumbs: I would love to see them live but not many European bands come to Australia :cry:

The Tolkien Ensemble is also a great "band". They put music to Tolkien's poems and songs from LotR.

I also have heard some Ainur, an Italian "band", but personally they're not my taste. They're lyrics are too loaded with words from a thesaurus. In my opinion, simple is better when it comes to lyrics.

High Lord of Imladris
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So this is another song that I rediscovered recently, and the first time I heard it when it was released all I could think of was Feanor burning the ships on the shore of Middle-earth.

Burn the Fleet by Thrice
https://youtu.be/O87M5nvdRpE
In this dark night,
We stand or we fall,
We are kings now,
Or nothing at all.
Check your armor,
Light up your torch,
Touch the flame to the sail,
Before you head to the shore.
And we will burn the fleet,
We can never go home,
So to victory or underground.
Burn the fleet,
We'll be heroes or ghosts,
But we won't be turned around.
Well the old flag,
Will burn with the sail,
And a new one,
Will fly if we fail.
But the fire,
Continues to rise,
And it shows not a hint,
Of any fear in our eyes.
And we will burn the fleet,
We can never go home,
So to victory or underground.
Burn the fleet,
We'll be heroes or ghosts,
But we won't be turned around.
Burn the fleet,
We can never go home,
So to victory or underground.
Burn the fleet,
We'll be heroes or ghosts,
But we won't be turned around.

Honestly I'm not entirely sure if this was to do with that there are a few explorers IRL that have done the same but this felt that with the comment about it being in this dark night, especially since the Trees had just been destroyed, at this point there still is no moon in the sky.

Khazad Elder
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Dustin Kensrue, founding member of Thrice, was reading The Lord of The Rings during the recording of the albums.

From Wikipedia - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrice
The world was fair in Durin's Day

High Lord of Imladris
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That's really interesting! And totally makes sense then that it would really remind me of Feanor . I honestly did a half hearted search to see if it was a factor but honestly I totally missed the wiki on it so thanks for sharing that!

High Lord of Imladris
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Well time for another bit of necromancy lol which is sort of fitting as the song I'm bringing in is called 'The Wizard' by Black Sabbath
Misty morning, clouds in the sky
Without warning, the wizard walks by
Casting his shadow, weaving his spell
Funny clothes, tinkling bell
Never talking
Just keeps walking
Spreading his magic
Evil power disappears
Demons worry when the wizard is near
He turns tears into joy
Everyone's happy when the wizard walks by
Never talking
Just keeps walking
Spreading his magic
Sun is shining, clouds have gone by
All the people give a happy sigh
He has passed by, giving his sign
Left all the people feeling so fine
Never talking
Just keeps walking
Spreading his magic.
So this is based around Gandalf and I can certainly see it we see the wizard walking by without warning which I think had Bilbo had warning he'd have scuttled safely back into his hobbit hole to enjoy his morning inside :lol: Parts like the evil power disappears also works well as he helped with both the Necromancer and the balrog. There is a fair bit that doesn't fit, I find the keeps walking bit really doesn't work though he does go on a long journey I am not sure walking is what he did to this degree (he was on horseback a LOT in the Hobbit, and after he became Gandalf the white he didn't really walk to many places he rode Shadowfax. But the song obviously isn't just about Gandalf but a person IRL for the band so I suppose it takes from that person more in that case since it's a line that repeats with Spreading his magic also something Gandalf wasn't terribly well known for spreading I think outside of his fireworks.
Sereg a Dîn

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