I Sit beside the Fire and Think

From Tolkien Gateway
This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name.

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Donald Swann wrote music for this song, which can be found in the book The Road Goes Ever On;[3] it is also found on the accompanying CD of the latest version.

Summoning used the poem for lyrics in a song called "A Distant Flame Before The Sun", from the 1999 album Stronghold.

Inspired by this poem, Burzum wrote the lyrics of the song "Beholding the Daughters of the Firmament".

Clamavi de Profundis wrote music for this song, and released as a memorian for Christopher Tolkien.

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

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.[4]

See also[edit | edit source]

References