Composer

:

Annie Lennox / Fran Walsh / Howard Shore

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

2003

Average_duration

:

6:07

'Into the West' is a song composed by Annie Lennox, Fran Walsh, and Howard Shore. It was written for the end credits of the 2003 film 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'. The song was premiered on December 1, 2003, at the Wellington premiere of the film. The song has a slow and melancholic melody, with a haunting and ethereal quality. It is performed by Annie Lennox, who delivers a powerful and emotional vocal performance. The lyrics of the song are inspired by the themes of the film, which deal with the idea of death and the afterlife. 'Into the West' is divided into three distinct movements. The first movement features a simple piano melody, which is gradually joined by strings and a choir. The second movement features a more complex arrangement, with a full orchestra and a more dramatic vocal performance from Lennox. The final movement returns to the simple piano melody of the first movement, bringing the song to a quiet and reflective conclusion. The song's lyrics are characterized by their poetic and metaphorical language. They speak of a journey into the afterlife, with lines such as "Lay down your sweet and weary head / Night is falling, you have come to journey's end". The song's title, 'Into the West', refers to the idea of moving towards the setting sun, which is often associated with death and the afterlife. 'Into the West' has become one of the most beloved songs from 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, and has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Its haunting melody and emotional lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of the films, and it continues to be a popular choice for funerals and other solemn occasions.

More....