Track-by-Track: Soundtrack Discussion and Analysis

[Encaitare]

Last track, my dears!

It's difficult for me to say which of the three "end titles" songs is my favorite, as I love them all so much. But if I had to pick, it would probably be Into the West. The lyrics are lovely, and it's fun to sing harmony along with it. I think Annie Lennox was a good choice, as she has that rather androgynous image which is associated with the Elves. In fact, I think her voice is pretty close to what I'd imagine Galadriel's to sound like. I also love the use of the French horn.

Although the lyrics are obviously in English, I'm going to post them here for discussion purposes:

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...

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

Who would you say is the speaker here? There are some parts which would seem to be Sam ("here in my arms just sleeping"), others which sound more like Galadriel or Gandalf ("all will turn to silver glass"), even bits which could be Frodo ("you and I will meet again"). I don't think we can pick any one speaker, but I like the effect we get here with all the different possibilities.

When the singing ends, we hear the music of the Havens, with the moving violins reflecting gentle waters and peace. The use of strings almost reminds me of Mendelssohn's "Fingal's Cave/Hebrides Overture," except not as harsh and dramatic. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this last track.

I suppose that's it! Many thanks to everyone who's contributed to this thread, to Esty for her support, to Magpie for her awesome and insightful website, and to Gwaith-i-Phethdain for the lyrics. It's been fun!

Musically yours,
Enca