O! What are you doing?
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O! What are you doing? is a poem found within the chapter "A Short Rest" of The Hobbit. It is sung by the Elves of Rivendell as the Company crossed the bridge into Rivendell. This poem type is seen once again in the chapter "The Last Stage" called The dragon is withered.
This poem reflects the joy of the Elven-folk as they seemed not to have a care for the dangers of the world. It is described as "a burst of song like laughter in the trees". "The valley" refers to Rivendell, their home. After the Elves finish this poem they move on to another ridiculous song.
Text
O! What are you doing,
And where are you going?
Your ponies need shoeing!
The river is flowing!
O! tra-la-la-lally
here down in the valley!
O! What are you seeking,
And where are you making?
The faggots are reeking,
The bannocks are baking!
O! tril-lil-lil-lolly
the valley is jolly,
ha! ha!
O! Where are you going
With beards all a-wagging?
No knowing, no knowing
What brings Mister Baggins,
And Balin and Dwalin
down into the valley
in June
ha! ha!
O! Will you be staying,
Or will you be flying?
Your ponies are straying!
The daylight is dying!
To fly would be folly,
To stay would be jolly
And listen and hark
Till the end of the dark
to our tune
ha! ha!