Into the West

"Into the West" is a song written by Fran Walsh, Howard Shore and Annie Lennox, performed by Annie Lennox during the closing credits of Peter Jackson's The Return of the King film.

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 Dream— of the 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