He and his sister Margaret were raised by their grandmother after their parents died. In 1984, aged 16, he appeared in local musical company Theatre Guild, Glasgow's production of Hans Anderson.
He worked as a book-binder for 6 years before pursuing an acting career. One of the books he bound was The Lord of the Rings. After book-binding, he attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where he earned a diploma in Dramatic Arts.
He has been in several plays, including San Diego and The Ballad Of Crazy Paola. He has also had a guest appearance in the Scottish TV sitcom Still Game, as well as in two episodes of long-running Scottish detective TV drama Taggart. Recently, he is starred in a BBC TV comedy Empty. He is currently starring as Richard MacDuff in BBC Radio 4's adaptation of Douglas Adams' Dirk Gently’s Holistic Agency series.
As well as being an actor, he can sing, and play the guitar, bass, and drums. He also wrote and sang The Steward of Gondor (also known as The Edge of Night) in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. He is currently the lead singer and co-songwriter in his band, Beecake (previously known as The Angels' Share). As of July 2008, the band has released an LP titled Just B and are currently recording their first album.
He remains close with his Rings' co-stars, most especially with Dominic Monaghan, whom he has written a script together.
He currently owns a house in Lesmahagow with his girlfriend, Alison McKinnon. On April 26, 2006, he and McKinnon welcomed their first child, son Jack William Boyd. On 2008, he revealed in an interview that he is engaged to McKinnon after proposing to her at the Ardanaiseig Hotel on Loch Awe, Scotland.
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Billy Boyd is also a pseudonym for legendary guitarist Jerry Cole, best known for his chops in The Champs' Tequila, and throughout The Beach Boys's Pet Sounds.
Pippin's Song
Billy Boyd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The world ahead
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadow
To the edge of night
Until the stars are all alight
Mist and shadow
All shall fade
All shall
Fade
The lyrics to Billy Boyd's song "Edge of Night" are poetic and full of meaning. The first verse sets the scene for a journey, with the mention of "home" being behind and the "world ahead." The singer acknowledges that there are "many paths to tread" but isn't deterred by the possible uncertainties he may face along the way. The phrase "through shadow" could represent obstacles, challenges or even doubts. Whatever these shadows may be, they will be overcome until the traveler reaches the edge of night where the stars will be "all alight." This may signify the end of his journey or even the achievement of his goal.
The second verse seems to suggest a sense of impending doom as the mention of "mist and shadow" brings forth an ominous atmosphere. The repetition of "all shall fade" emphasizes the inevitability of change and loss. It is a reminder that nothing is permanent, that life is fragile, and things will eventually come to an end. Even though this may seem like a depressing thought, the tone of the song suggests that we should appreciate life, with all its beauty and flaws. We should embrace our journey, and not be afraid of the unknown. The song speaks to our inner adventurer, urging us to explore the world around us, to live in the present, and to chase our dreams until the end.
Line by Line Meaning
Home is behind
The past is behind us, and our focus should be on the present and future.
The world ahead
The future holds endless possibilities and opportunities.
And there are many paths to tread
Life presents us with various choices and paths to explore.
Through shadow
Life may have dark or difficult moments that we must overcome.
To the edge of night
We may face challenges that push us to our limits, but we must continue forward.
Until the stars are all alight
We must persevere until we reach success and can bask in the light of our achievements.
Mist and shadow
Uncertainty and doubt may cloud our path.
Cloud and shade
Hardships and obstacles may obscure our vision and progress.
All shall fade
Nothing in life is permanent, and everything will eventually come to an end.
All shall
This phrase is incomplete, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life.
Fade
Everything, including our struggles and accomplishments, will eventually dissipate and fade away.
Contributed by Camilla T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@arielwebster9064
“Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Then world behind and home ahead,
We'll wander back and home to bed.
Mist and twilight, cloud and shade,
Away shall fade! Away shall fade!”
The song that Bilbo wrote in the book:)
@zackyboi2048
Sometimes I wonder if Peter Jackson just watches this movie and thinks, “How tf did I make this absolute masterpiece?”
@ayant138
You're probably talking about the films, but billy boyd wrote this song himself I'm pretty sure (with help from Peter and others to get lyrics closely related to the source material in the books)
@DDIISSEE
@@ayant138 he didn't write it, its from the book. Its in the early part of Fellowship of the Ring, at least thats where I remember it.
@giacomosanguin392
Well, let's say he has made a great job not ruining one of the most amazing books ever written. To make a film from a book, is never an easy job, and he did perfectly. But we have to give credit to the real genius, mastee tolkien, the creator of fantasy
@ayant138
@@DDIISSEE I remember sone interview where Peter Jackson said Billy wrote it the day before. Maybe it was just him figuring out how he was going to do his part in the scene or something like that I'm not too sure. I think maybe I just heard it wrong and Peter said something completely different in the interview lol
@DDIISSEE
@@ayant138 I just know the lyrics of the song are from a poem/song in one of the early chapters in Fellowship of the Ring. Maybe Billy came up with the melody and all that.
@Frosty_tha_Snowman
Director: here, eat these cherry tomatoes like an absolutely insane person.
@snitchzerboo
peter Jackson aka the best director who won an Oscar for this Movie
@snitchzerboo
actually he won 3 Oscars for this movie
@Frosty_tha_Snowman
@@snitchzerboo dude, I love Peter Jackson, I know.