Helm's Deep
Howard Shore Lyrics
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Hwær cwóm feax flówende?
Hwær cwóm hand on hearpestrenge?
Hwær cwóm scir fýr scinende?
Hwær cwóm lencten and hærfest?
Hwær cwóm héah corn weaxende? FE
Hwá gegaderath wuduréc of
wealdholte byrnende?
Oððe gesiehth of gársecge
ðá géar gewendende?
'Where is the helm and the hauberk,
and the bright hair flowing?
Where is the hand on the harp string,
and the red fire glowing?
Where is the spring and the harvest
and the tall corn growing?
Who shall gather the smoke of
the dead wood burning?
Or behold the flowing years
from the Sea returning?'
The lyrics to Howard Shore's song "Helm's Deep" evoke a sense of loss and uncertainty. The questions asked are about the whereabouts of things that used to be present, but are now missing. The helm and hauberk were worn as armor, and the bright hair might refer to a person's individuality or spirit. The hand on the harp string represents music and art, which are often associated with cultural richness, and the red fire could be a metaphor for passion, inspiration or creativity. The spring and the harvest, as well as the tall corn growing, are symbols of nature's abundance, fertility and life. The perspective is one of someone searching for meaning or purpose. The final two lines express a desire for knowledge or insight beyond what's observable, or for a shift in perspective that would reveal more of reality.
Overall, the song captures the mood of the epic battle that takes place at Helm's Deep. As the Rohirrim defend their fortress, they face seemingly insurmountable odds and their survival is uncertain. The lyrics reflect this sense of doom and heroic sacrifice, even as the music builds in intensity and propulsive rhythm. The choral harmonies and orchestral arrangements give the song a grandeur and emotional resonance that reinforces the themes of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Where is the helm and the hauberk,
The persona is asking the whereabouts of the protective headgear and armor of war.
and the bright hair flowing?
The persona is seeking the location of a person whose hair radiates brightness and light.
Where is the hand on the harp string,
The persona is requesting for the presence of someone capable of playing an instrument called the harp.
and the red fire glowing?
The persona is searching for the site of an ignited flame characterized by a scarlet color.
Where is the spring and the harvest
The persona is inquiring about the location of seasonal occurrences of rebirth and harvest of crops.
and the tall corn growing?
The persona is seeking the whereabouts of maize, a crop that typically grows tall.
Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning?
The persona is asking who will collect the product of the combustion of a tree that has been stripped of life.
Or behold the flowing years from the Sea returning?
The persona wonders who will witness the passing of time, decades and centuries ebbing and returning like waves in the sea.
Contributed by Jack F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Text
She never watched | Héo naefre wacode dægréd
the morning rising,
Too busy with the | Tó bisig mid dægeweorcum
day's first chores
But oft she would watch | Ac oft héo wacode sunnanwanung
the sun's fading
As the cold of night crept | Thonne nihtciele créap geond móras
across the moors
And in that moment | And on thaere hwile
She felt the loss | Héo dréag thá losinga Read Full BioThe Missing (Old English): Music by Howard Shore. Words by Philippa Boyens. Translation by David Salo.
Text
She never watched | Héo naefre wacode dægréd
the morning rising,
Too busy with the | Tó bisig mid dægeweorcum
day's first chores
But oft she would watch | Ac oft héo wacode sunnanwanung
the sun's fading
As the cold of night crept | Thonne nihtciele créap geond móras
across the moors
And in that moment | And on thaere hwile
She felt the loss | Héo dréag thá losinga
Of everything that | Earla thinga the héo forléas.
Had been missed
So used to feeling | Héo swá oft dréag hire sáwle sincende
the spirit sink
She had not felt | Héo ne cúthe hire heortan lust
her own heart's wish
(c)2002 New Line Tunes (ASCAP).
(c) info from the booklet
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