I Sit beside the Fire and Think

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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,[1] 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.[2] 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.[3]
 
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.[4]

Legacy

Donald Swann wrote music for this song, which can be found in the book The Road Goes Ever On;[5] it is also found on the accompanying CD of the latest version.

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.[6]

References