Into The West
Howard Shore feat. Helen Hobson Lyrics
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Your sweet and weary head
The night is falling
You have come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
All Souls pass
Hope fades
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
Don't say
We have come now to the end
White shores are calling
You and I will meet again
And you'll be here in my arms
Just sleeping
And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass
Into the West
The song "Into the West" by Howard Shore featuring Annie Lennox is a melancholic melody that conveys the idea of a final journey or a peaceful death. The opening lines are an invitation to rest and dream, as after all the journey, the night has finally fallen, and it's time to let go. The following lines suggest that there's nothing to fear since the loved ones who have passed are calling, and they are waiting on the other side.
The main message of the song is that death is not the end; it's a new beginning. The lyrics reassure that those who have gone before are safe and waiting, and there's no need to cry because all fears will be passed away. The song offers comfort to those who are still living by reminding them that they will meet again.
The chorus describes a beautiful and mystical place where "all will turn to silver glass," and a "light on the water" will guide the soul of the deceased to the other side. The song's main elements are hope, nostalgia, and a twinge of sadness, but it ultimately suggests that death is a natural part of life, and there's no need to fear it.
Line by Line Meaning
Lay down
Relax and get comfortable
Your sweet and weary head
Your tired and kind head
The night is falling
Darkness is creeping in
You have come to journey's end
Your journey has ended
Sleep now
Rest peacefully
And dream of the ones who came before
Dream of those who have passed on
They are calling
They're beckoning you home
From across the distant shore
From a far-off place
Why do you weep?
Why are you crying?
What are these tears upon your face?
Why are you shedding tears?
Soon you will see
Things will get better
All of your fears will pass away
All the things that scare you will disappear
Safe in my arms
You're protected with me
You're only sleeping
You're only resting
What can you see
What do you perceive?
On the horizon?
On the distant line?
Why do the white gulls call?
Why are the seagulls screaming?
Across the sea
Over the water
A pale moon rises
The moon is getting brighter
The ships have come to carry you home
Ships are here to take you back
And all will turn
Everything will be transformed
To silver glass
To shiny glass
A light on the water
A shining light on the water
All Souls pass
All spirits go by
Hope fades
Positive energy is disappearing
Into the world of night
Into darkness
Through shadows falling
Fading into the shadows
Out of memory and time
Disappearing from history and time
Don't say
Don't express
We have come now to the end
We have reached the conclusion
White shores are calling
The beautiful shoreline is calling
You and I will meet again
We will reunite
And you'll be here in my arms
I will hold you close
Just sleeping
You're resting peacefully
Grey ships pass
Ships silently move by
Into the West
Toward the setting sun
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Howard Shore, Philippa Boyens, Annie Lennox
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind