Into the West (song)

"Into the West" is a song written by Fran Walsh, Howard Shore and Annie Lennox, performed by Annie Lennox during the closing credits of the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. It has also been sung by New Zealand singers Hayley Westenra and Yulia Townsend for their albums.

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 DVD edition of the movie, director Peter Jackson explains that the song 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.

The song won the Oscar for Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song) at the 76th Academy Awards, one of the movie's 11 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.