He is a graduate of the University of Oregon where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance. During his collegiate years he co-founded UO's premier men's a cappella group “On the Rocks” and most recently appeared with the group on NBC's The Sing-Off. When Peter isn't off performing or recording collegiate a cappella and works out of his home studio, Peter Hollens Productions.
Peter Hollens has been involved with music throughout the Northwest and beyond performing in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the Beacon Theatre in NYC. Originally from Ashland, Peter graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal performance, where he co-founded the U of O's award-winning male a cappella group On the Rocks. Since his time with the group he has become very involved with collegiate a cappella, recording, producing & judging international competitions both along the West Coast and in New York City.
Misty Mountains
Peter Hollens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To dungeons deep and caverns old
We must await, ere break of day,
To find our long forgotten gold.
The pines were roaring on the height,
The winds were moaning in the night.
The fire was red, it flaming spread;
The wind was on the withered heath,
But in the forest stirred no leaf:
There shadows lay be night or day,
And dark things silent crept beneath.
(Aaaahh aaahh...)
The wind went on from West to East;
All movement in the forest ceased,
But shrill and harsh across the marsh
Its whistling voices were released.
Farewell we call to hearth and hall!
Though wind may blow and rain may fall,
We must await ere break of day
Far over wood and mountain tall.
The lyrics of “Misty Mountains” by Peter Hollens transpose the listeners to a mysterious, dark world – one filled with mystery and danger. The song transports us to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth, that was depicted in "The Lord of The Rings" cycle. The song explores dwarves' journey to reclaim their lost treasure in the Misty Mountains. These lyrics are a perfect example of a ballad – a poem that uses music to narrate a story. The road to riches, in this song, is a perilous one. Dwarves have to travel through mountains and dungeons, where the winds are moaning in the night, and the trees are like torches blazed with light.
The lyrics are written in a way that paints a picture of a world that’s both magical and dangerous. Throughout the song, one can feel the coldness of the misty mountains and the dark things that lurk in the shadows. Even the narration of the wind creates an eeriness that continues to push the story forward. The rhythm of the song also travels up and down, signifying the mountains entwining paths. The line “Far over the Misty Mountains cold” is repeated throughout the song, bringing a sense of ominousness that will stay with the listener long after the song ends.
Line by Line Meaning
Far over the Misty Mountains cold
Our journey takes us over the snowy peaks of the Misty Mountains.
To dungeons deep and caverns old
Our destination lies in the depths of ancient dungeons and caves.
We must await, ere break of day,
We must wait until dawn to continue our search for treasure.
To find our long forgotten gold.
The reward for our journey is a precious treasure we seek.
The pines were roaring on the height,
Amidst our journey the tall trees sway with a mighty roar.
The winds were moaning in the night.
The winds are making mournful noises as the journey takes place at night.
The fire was red, it flaming spread;
As the fire spreads the light illuminates through the forest.
The trees like torches blazed with light.
The illuminated trees resembling a torch to guide our path.
The wind was on the withered heath,
The wind passes through the barren wasteland.
But in the forest stirred no leaf:
Despite the wind no movement exists in the forest.
There shadows lay by night or day,
Clouds of darkness exists at all times in this forest.
And dark things silent crept beneath.
Mysterious creatures silently lurked under the shadowy cover.
(Aaaahh aaahh...)
Instrumental part of the song.
The wind went on from West to East;
The strong wind continues Eastward.
All movement in the forest ceased,
No creature dare move in the presence of the wind.
But shrill and harsh across the marsh
Despite the silence, a shrill and harsh whistle can be heard across the marsh.
Its whistling voices were released.
The sound is a warning message to be heeded.
Farewell we call to hearth and hall!
Our departing call to our homes and communities we left behind.
Though wind may blow and rain may fall,
For we are ready to face the challenges that come with the journey.
We must await ere break of day
Until dawn we must wait to resume our search.
Far over wood and mountain tall.
Our journey will continue far beyond the woods and the snow-covered peaks.
Contributed by Peyton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.