I Sit beside the Fire and Think

I Sit Beside the Fire and Think is a song by Bilbo Baggins, which he sang softly in Rivendell on 24 December T.A. 3018, the evening before the Fellowship of the Ring set out upon their quest. Bilbo sang the song in the presence of Frodo, after giving Frodo the mithril-coat and Sting. The song is a contemplative piece, sung by a now-aging hobbit recalling past events that ends in anticipation of hearing returning friends.

Lyrics

I sit beside the fire and think
of all that I have seen
of meadow-flowers and butterflies
in summers that have been;
 
Of yellow leaves and gossamer
in autumns that there were,
with morning mist and silver sun
and wind upon my hair.
 
I sit beside the fire and think
of how the world will be
when winter comes without a spring
that I shall ever see.
 
For still there are so many things
that I have never seen:
in every wood in every spring
there is a different green.
 
I sit beside the fire and think
of people long ago
and people who will see a world
that I shall never know.
 
But all the while I sit and think
of times there were before,
I listen for returning feet
and voices at the door.

Legacy

Donald Swann wrote music for this song, which can be found in the book The Road Goes Ever On; it is also found on the accompanying CD of the latest version.

Deborah Stokol also wrote music for this song, a recording of which may be found at http://deborahstokol.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/10-Voices-at-the-Door-1.m4a .

Portrayal in adaptations

2004: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (extended edition):

A translation of this song, with Neo-Sindarin lyrics by David Salo and melody by Howard Shore, is heard in the Fan Credits.