Welcome to the next challenge for Return of the Rings! This time, you are to create a fanmix for either a character, place, theme, or couple. Examples for theme could be "friendship" or "battle". A fanmix is a collection of (existing) songs for one certain subject. It can be seriously done or completely crazy, your choice.

What You Need
-at least 6 songs - title, some of the lyrics, and artist
-a description of the fanmix - why you chose the theme, why you chose those specific songs
-songs cannot be from LotR related things (soundtrack, musical)
-you may use songs that don't have lyrics, but you have to fully explain why you used that song, more than just "it's the right mood"

What Is Optional
-a cover, 400x400 px. If you make a cover for your fanmix, it will go into a voting stage where you can earn more points for your team.
-links to the songs, youtube or otherwise

The points break down as follows:
Participation - 4 points
Create a cover - 1 additional point
1st place cover - 3 additional points
2nd place cover - 2 additional points
3rd place cover - 1 additional point

No need to say if you're participating or not, just post your mix here.

DUE BY JULY 16

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going on a journey through my old claims

This sounds interesting... So it's pretty much just creating a playlist for the character, place, theme, etc. right? (I want to be sure I fully understand before I participate. )

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Still happily married to Sean Bean! (05-Feb-2010)

Yep, pretty much.

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going on a journey through my old claims

Aragorn and Eowyn: Unrequited Love
(Hey, you knew it was coming. )

I chose Aragorn and Eowyn to focus on with my fanmix because, well, I love them dearly. I have so many songs that I've already associated with them, and this is the perfect place to figure out what songs were "written" for them.

1. "Down" - Jason Walker

~I shot for the sky
I’m stuck on the ground
So why do I try? I know I’m gonna to fall down
I thought I could fly, so why did I drown?
Never know why it’s coming down, down, down.~

I chose this song because I think it perfectly describes Eowyn's feelings after Aragorn left her. She thought that she had found happiness, when in reality, yet another thing in her life had fallen through. *sniffles*

2. "In Memory" - Brightwood

~Two lives, two books of illusion,
A chapter in the essence of time.
The story we wrote in one season,
Came to an end in one night.~

Again, another angsty take on the Shadow and A Thought scene. A/E had something, whatever you care to call it, but it ended when Aragorn had to tell Eowyn that she loved only the image of him.

3. "Take It All" - Ethan Gibson ft. Cady Groves

~I know you're broken, but all that I can see
Is everything we could be~

This song is cute and fluffy; maybe not quite the feel of A/E, but that one line jumped out at me. Eowyn was broken, and Aragorn helped her begin to heal.

4. "Broken" - Lifehouse

~The broken locks were a warning
You got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded
I'm an open book instead
And I still see your reflection
Inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose
They're still looking for life~

This song is used for so many different circumstances and couples, but I really think it describes Aragorn and Eowyn's relationship. Eowyn touched a part of Aragorn in a way that no one else had, and when he left her, she still hadn't found the man she was supposed to be with.

5. "Sally's Song" - A Nightmare Before Christmas (Amy Lee's version)

~I sense there's something in the wind
That feels like tragedy's at hand
And though I'd like to stand by him
Can't shake this feeling that I have
The worst is just around the bend

And does he notice my feelings for him?
And will he see how much he means to me?
I think it's not to be ~

WOW. When I first read these lyrics, I was stunned by how A/E they were. I don't think these even need an explanation.

6. "Eowyn's Song" - Cletus Kennelly and Lori Kelley

~When you go they'll wrap me in linen
Kiss my lips once before they turn pale
On this morn you ride to the haunted mountain
and no one will hear of this tale.
I have carried a blade from a young age
And I value the skills I have kept.
I have but one fear, to end in a cage
so I go with a mind full of death.

And oh, I would have followed you down
to the end my captain, my king.
Oh, I would have followed you down to the paths of the dead.
But I ride to find my own meaning.~

Since this song was written for Eowyn, I'll let it speak for itself.

7. "Impossible" - Shontelle

~I remember years ago someone told me I should take
Caution when it comes to love
I did, I did
And you were strong and I was not
My illusion, my mistake
I was careless, I forgot
I did
And now when all is done there is nothing to say
You have gone and so effortlessly
You have won
You can go ahead tell them

Tell them all I know now
Shout it from the roof top
Write it on the sky, love
All we had is gone now
Tell them I was happy
And my heart is broken
All my scars are open
Tell them what I hoped would be
Impossible, impossible
Impossible, impossible~

Eowyn fell in love with Aragorn, perhaps despite her better judgment, and when their friendship/tiny romance was over, she was crushed.

I might decide to make a cover soon.

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i'm back for a little! i'll see how this visit goes.

Silvery- Absolutely didn't see that theme coming from you.. You chose very fitting songs..

Is instrumental music, like soundtrack or classical pieces allowed? I often find them very fitting for certain themes..

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O children, lift up your voice, lift up your voice,
Children, rejoice, rejoice..



It doesn't matter you don't believe in God, He believes in you.

Only if it's less than half of your total number of songs, and if you can explain why more than "it just feels right."

And I realized participation should probably be more than one point, so I'll go change that now.

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going on a journey through my old claims

I repeated two of the artists, don't know if that's a bad thing, but I honestly haven't listened to a very broad range of things since April. Anyway, this whole thing's a little rubbish, but... whatever. I had fun.



Frodo and Sam

Frodo/Sam/Ring OT3. No, just kidding, though a lot of these songs ended up quite Ring-angst-y. I chose them as a theme because they’ve got such a lovely friendship; Sam staying loyal to Frodo throughout all the struggles and hardships is one of the best things about LotR, don't even deny it.


1. “Thick As Thieves” - Kasabian

There we were thick as thieves
Frightened by shadows and the autumn leaves
We wore stolen hats, fitted soles
Aided by lies amongst the media foes

And hey oh, where did it go?
When did we lose our sight?
And it's a nice show, the ones we perform
Performing it day and night

A good “friends” song, therefore fitting for Frodo and Sam.



2. “Palace of Bone” - Pete Doherty

Though we've been a long time together now,
time together on a snaky road
There ain't no time together,
like time together on a snaky road

One that suits their mission-journey-quest rather well, with them knowing each other for a while, then setting out to Rivendell and eventually Mordor together.



3. “Out of the Blue” - Julian Casablancas

Somewhere along the way my hopefulness turned to sadness
Somewhere along the way my sadness turned to bitterness
Somewhere along the way my bitterness turned to anger
Somewhere along the way my anger turned to vengeance

And the ones that I make pay
Are never the ones who deserve it
And the ones who deserve it they'll never understand it

This song describes a lot of changing emotions, which I think fits Frodo very well as he goes on his quest.



4. “What Became of the Likely Lads” - The Libertines

Oh what became of the Likely Lads?
What became of the dreams we had?

Oh what became of forever?
Oh what became of forever?
We'll never know

Another “friends” song, which works both for them feeling down as they draw nearer to Mordor, and the sadness Sam feels when Frodo sails away to the West.


5. “The Enemy” - Dirty Pretty Things

Isn’t it time you washed your face
It looks like a burnt out fireplace
And I am awash with memories
And worrying complexities
But in time (in time)
You’ll find it very scary
It’s hard to live respectfully
The Enemy as I know it is right inside my head
The Enemy as I know it is right inside my head

“The Enemy… inside my head” describes rather nicely the Ring as it starts to wear away at Frodo.



6. “Tourist” - Julian Casablancas

Some will bet against you, try even to prevent you
But not many can stop you man, if you got a perfect plan
Can they possibly try - I demand to know why they would doubt you?
In this hand, a thousand generations...

Feel like a tourist out in the desert
So hot it feels like the Devil's breath
Feel like a tourist out in the swampland
This world is just patches of water and land
Everywhere I go I'm a tourist
But if you stay with me, I'll always be at home

Another travelling song. “In this hand, a thousand generations” also fits the Ring and its history.



7. “The Good Old Days” - The Libertines

You know I've tried so hard to keep myself from falling
Back into my bad old ways
And it chars my heart to always hear you calling
Calling for the good old days
Because there were no good old days
These are the good old days

This one’s very fitting for Frodo sailing away into the West, while Sam stays behind with his new family.




EDIT: Added YouTube links to the titles.

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- married fingon fingolfinion 6/4/13 -
~art credit~

The Captain and the White Lady

I really don't know why or how this came to me, but as I was looking at music on my iPod it struck me how many songs I have that could fit this couple. So, I suppose I chose these them because Eowyn and Faramir is my favourite romantic couple in Tolkien's world. Their story exemplifies everything I enjoy about the redemptive and healing powers of love. Their relationship changes inherent aspects about themselves, especially in Eowyn's case, and they are able to find their true selves through their love.




[Sorry they're so small . . . I had to create them on Word and then export them. :/ I'm still kinda a novice.]


1. “Here Comes the Sun” - The Beatles

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right
Little darling, it's been a long, cold, lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

I thought I'd start with a simple connection to begin with, although it is a bit loose. Basically, Eowyn was emotionally trapped in "winter" after her spar with the Witch King and losing Aragorn. Faramir brought a joy for life back into her life and gave her hope for the future that she didn't have before.


2. “When You Were Young” - The Killers

You sit there in your heartache
waiting on some beautiful boy to,
to save you from your old ways,
you play forgiveness, watch it now; here he comes!
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus,
but he talks like a gentleman
like you imagined when you were young

After the Battle of Pelennor Fields Eowyn wallowed in grief over her "loss" of Aragorn. Jesus, in the song, is synonymous to a saviour, which she was looking for in Aragorn. She wanted him to "save" her and make her queen. Faramir is nothing like Aragorn [thus, nothing like the saviour she imagined], but she is eventually drawn in by his personality ["he talks like a gentleman"].


3. “You Picked Me” - A Fine Frenzy

Like an apple on a tree
hiding out behind the leaves
I was difficult to reach
but you picked me
Like a shell upon a beach
just another pretty piece
I was difficult to see
but you picked me
Yeah you picked me

Once again, while Eowyn was in the houses of Healing she was still quite attached to Aragorn and the idea of power. This made it difficult at first for Faramir to catcher her attention, but he never gave up on her no matter how difficult it was at first.


4. “You Found Me” - The Fray

Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me
lying on the floor, surrounded, surrounded
Why'd you have to wait? Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late, you found me, you found me

This song captures what Eowyn might have felt at some point after meeting Faramir. Faramir "found" her when she was broken and in pain after war and heartbreak, and he lifted her up. Unfortunately, it wasn't until after she had almost gotten herself killed and hit "rock bottom" emotionally.


5. “Whispers in the Dark” - Skillet

You feel so lonely and ragged
you lay here broken and naked
my love is just waiting
to clothe you in crimson roses
I will be the one that's gonna find you
I will be the one that's gonna guide you
My love is a burning, consuming fire

This could be Faramir's plea to Eowyn as she heals after defeating the Witch King. He wanted to let her know that even after all she's gone through there is still someone who will be there for her and can offer her more than the vague inclination that would come from loving Aragorn.


6. “Your Guardian Angel” - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
even if saving you sends me to Heaven

This feels like Faramir again promising Eowyn that he'll bring her out of the darkness she's in toward the beginning of their relationship. Faramir takes this leap of faith in trusting himself to Eowyn when he knows how she once felt, and at this point, still feels for Aragorn.


7. “Hallelujah” - Jeff Buckley

Baby, I've been here before
I've seen this room and I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
but love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah

The line "love is not a victory march" has two connotations. Eowyn went to war ["victory march"] with the hope of capturing Aragorn's heart, but Faramir allows her to see that love does not have to be all about glory and passion and power. He shows her that true love gets through the broken times and thrives in simplicity as well.


There we go. I hope that wasn't too bad. It's the first fanmix I've ever done . . .

Great ones, guys!


Hold On & Don't Let Go
a Samwise Gamgee fanmix, feat. Frodo Baggins

Well, I picked Sam because he's my favorite character, so I figured I could find some songs that fit him. And, of course, what would they be without featuring the friendship that is Lord of the Rings? The Frodo/Sam friendship is beautiful and strong. The way they rely on each other and care about one another....so fantastic.

*A note - the videos were picked for sound quality, not video content. Just have them play in the background while you read.

1) Keep Holding On - Avril Lavigne

You're not alone
Together we stand
I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold
And it feels like the end
There's no place to go
You know I won't give in
No I won't give in

Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you

Well, you know, the whole song pretty much fits them. But Sam will always be by Frodo's side helping him along, and come on. "Don't let go."

2) He Will Carry Me - Mark Shultz

And when all hope is gone
And I've been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need
He will carry me

"I can't carry it for you...but I can carry you!" Definitely another great Sam & Frodo moment, and Sam is totally strength. Frodo wouldn't have gotten far without Sam, remember.

3) By My Side - Godspell

Where are you going?
Where are you going?
Can you take me with you?
For my hand is cold
And needs warmth
Where are you going?

Far beyond where the horizon lies
Where the horizon lies
And the land sinks into mellow blueness
Oh please, take me with you

I think this was "my" first Sam song. It's so achingly him. First, when he thinks Frodo is dead. "Don't go where I can't follow." And then, at the end, when Frodo goes off to the Grey Havens, and he cannot follow. Gah, now I want to tear up. THAT SCENE. Anyway. Definitely Sam.

4) I Will Be Here - Steven Curtis Chapman

I will be here
When you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to cryin'
Through the winning, losing and trying
We'll be together
I will be here

I think this really speaks to Sam's loyalty. This isn't just him being here for Frodo, it's him being here for Merry, and Pippin, and Rosie, and all of his kids. He will always be there for them.

5) You Will Never Walk Alone - Point of Grace

Along life's road
There will be sunshine and rain
Roses and thorns, laughter and pain
And 'cross the miles
You will face mountains so steep
Deserts so long and valleys so deep
Sometimes the Journey's gentle
Sometimes the cold winds blow
But I want you to remember
I want you to know
You will never walk alone

I'm reiterating here, apparently. But hey, this is why the fanmix it titled "Hold On". Because he's THERE. He's telling you to hold on. Or to not let go. Or that you won't be along, because he'll be right beside you all the way. And I like the description of the journey.

6) Fanfare for the Common Man - Aaron Copeland

Sam is a common man, so one point for Aaron Copeland! This is a very simple song, in terms of instruments. Brass and percussion. It's clear as well. Both things that fit with Sam. 0:40 on the video - can't you just picture it playing right as Sam steps out to save Frodo from Shelob? It's a song that makes you feel braver and taller. (I hope you know what I mean.) It's also perfect later on for their ascent up Mount Doom, when all the instruments are playing and swelling up. (Approx 2:30 on)

7) Get Back Up - TobyMac

We lose our way,
We get back up again
It's never too late to get back up again,
One day you will shine again,
You may be knocked down,
But not out forever.

More so for the movie, when Frodo sends him away. But, all through, he's facing hardship. There are troubles and they get him down, but he pulls himself back up and keeps going.


Bonus Track: Sunshine On My Shoulders - John Denver

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

It's the simple things in life that hobbits like. Like sunshine. But the main reason I added this song was because it's ultimate nostalgia. Just play it and listen, and you can think that Sam was totally singing it to himself as Mount Doom was erupting and he didn't know if he'd live or die. Or maybe I'm just crazy.

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going on a journey through my old claims

Wow, those are all so epic!

Aragorn and Arwen

1. Ladies Love Country Boys by Trace Adkins

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP3fPF3cxcM

Yeah, you know momma’s and daddy’s want better for their daughters
Hope they’ll settle down with a doctor or a lawyer
In their uptown, ball gown, hand-me-down royalty

They never understand
why their princess falls
For some camouflage britches
and a southern boy drawl

Or why she’s ridin in the middle of a pickup truck
Blarin Hank Jr. yellin, “Turn it up!”
They raised her up a lady
but there’s one thing they couldn’t avoid
Ladies love country boys

Okay, so they don't have pickup trucks in Middle Earth, but this song just made me laugh. Arwen didn't fall for high elf. She fell for a get down and dirty ranger. In a humor way, this song fits.

2. I will Be by Leona Lewis

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzUMiGdHHWo

There's nothing I could say to you
Nothing I could ever do to make you see
What you mean to me

All the pain, the tears I cried
Still you never said goodbye and now I know
How far you'd go

I know I let you down
But it's not like that now
This time I'll never let you go

This song made me think of the end of ROTK. In the movie version of FOTR, Aragorn had tried to break things off with Arwen. Yet, there she was waiting for him. It was such a happy moment!!

3. Come What May as sung by Ewan McGregor/Nicole Kidman

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APzYBz8V7gA

Never knew I could feel like this
Like I've never seen the sky before
Want to vanish inside your kiss
Every day I love you more and more
Listen to my heart, can you hear it sings
Telling me to give you everything
Seasons may change, winter to spring
But I love you until the end of time

Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day

This song makes me think about how Arwen gave up her immortality for Aragorn. It would be a hard raod, but she was willing to go throw all that for him. I can just hear her sayinv "Come what may, I will love you till my dying day".

3. My Heart will go On by Celine Dion

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiy9YB1coMw

Love was when I loved you
One true time I hold to
In my life we'll always go on

Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

You're here, there's nothing I fear
And I know that my heart will go on
We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

Okay, yet another cheesy song, but it works! This again makes me think about all the times Aragorn and Arwen have been apart. Yet in the end they were together for a little while. Even after Aragorn died, their love went on in the people and story they left behind.

4. You Raise me Up by Celtic Women

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofYrt9ymTRo

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be

I like to think that part of what kept Aragorn and Arwen going throw those tuogh times was the love they had for each other. That love raised them up and kept them strong. I also like just the music of this song. The beauty and slight sad feeling to it has their sort of feel to it.

5. Only Hope by Mandy Moore

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRHM8mLp3DY

There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again
I'm awake in the infinite cold
But You sing to me over and over and over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
and pray to be only Yours
I pray to be only Yours
I know now you're my only hope

Arwen only wanted to Aragorn's. She didn't want to live forever without him, and she didn't want someone else. She wanted to be his for as long as they both lived.

6. Beauty and the Tragedy by Trading Yesterday

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxlywHHswqI

For I am finding out that love will kill and save me
Taking the dreams that made me up
And tearing them away
But the same love will take this heart that's barely beating
And fill it with hope beyond the stars
Only love

Another day, another sunrise
Washing over everything
In its time, love will be mine
The beauty and the tragedy

The happiness that Aragorn and Arwen had while they were married was beautiful. I the end, tragedy had to take place. Aragorn awas mortal so he had to die. They had the beauty of love but the tragedy of death.

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My theme is...
Beren and Luthien
I chose this theme because I think their story is one of the most passionate, meaningful love stories ever written. Here is a couple that have been to death and back, and still love one another with all their heart. The love and devotion of these two characters is amazing.

“Hallo Elskan Min (Hello my Darling)” –Voltaire
Hello darling,
Can’t believe how long it’s been
Since I said Goodbye
Saw the seas swell in your eyes
You’re so beautiful
I think you and my heart is full
Come home, my dear
It’s so cold without you here

Hallo elskan min
Trui ekki hvad timinn lidur
Sedan vid skilldumst ad
Sa hafid risa I augum thinum
Thu er svo falleg
Hugsa um thig og hjarta mitt fyllist
Kondu, kondu him
Thad er svo kalt an thin herna

I chose this song thinking of the scene where Luthien stands outside the tower where Beren is being help prisoner. She sings a song that “no walls of stone could hinder” and Beren hears it. Although “Hallo Elskan Min” is sung by a male singer, it has such longing and sadness that it fits perfectly with a song that Luthien might sing to Beren. The verse sung in another language (the Icelandic translation of the English verse) reminds me a bit of Elvish (it looks clunky and uncouth in writing, but when sung its actually very elegant). And since Luthien is an elf (or at least in part), it makes sense that she would sing not only in the mortal tongue but also her own elvish.

“Ain’t no Mountain High Enough” Marvin Gaye and Tammi Tarrell
No wind, no rain
No winters cold can stop me baby.
No, no baby, ‘cause you are my love
If you’re ever in trouble, I’ll be there on the double.
Just send for me oh baby.

My Love is alive way down in my hear
Although we are miles apart.
If you ever need a helping hand
I’ll be there on the double just as fast as I can.

Don’t you know there ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you baby.

This may seem like a rather odd choice: what place does this flamboyant song have with the somber, epic story of Beren and Luthien? I think it fits quite nicely, even if the mood is a bit off. This couple did everything they could to be together. Beren attempted to steal the Silmaril from Morgoth in return for Luthien’s hand in marriage. He was caught and thrown in prison. He faced a giant wolf that bit off his hand along with the silmaril. He even chased down that wolf, cut out the silmaril, and as he lay dying, gave it to Luthien’s father. He even took an arrow for her. Luthien wasn’t idle in her love for Beren either. She ran after him when he was imprisoned. She stood up to Sauron and threatened him into retreating. She looked Morgoth in the eye and cast a spell on him. And when Beren died, she soon died as well, she chose to forsake immortal life in Valinor for a mortal life with Beren. Not even death could keep Luthien and Beren apart.

“Appassionata” -Secret Garden

There are no words to this song, but it has power nonetheless. When Luthien died and appeared before Mandos to sing the song of her life, it was “the most sorrowful that ever the world shall hear. Unchangeable, imperishable…” If Luthien’s words were translated into violin, they would sound like this. The melody is haunting and persistent. True to its name, this piece is full of not only passion, but also sorrow, longing and hope. The intensity of this piece builds upon itself, swelling with power and emotion. Its easy to imagine this as the theme of Luthien and Beren: love, longing, passion, mourning, and hope.

“Storm” –Adrianne
Oh I don't know what you gonna do, with me,
Because everything I hid in my heart, I just set free,
And I don't wanna skate away- (don't think so anyway),
I just want to sit in this storm with you.
I just want to sit in this storm with you.

And when it's pourin' for days, pourin' for nights,
Smearin' all the words alright.
I won't leave you babe, I am with you babe,
We have a deal, yes we do.

I'm gonna soak you up and let it all in, one day,
I'm gonna shoot down all of the stars, and wish away,
'Cause I can love you from the sunshine blue,
To the clouds greyer hue,
Just wanna to sit in this storm with you,
I just wanna to sit, in this storm, with you.

In the tale of Beren and Luthien, Beren is protective of Luthien. When on a dangerous mission, he sneaks away in an attempt to keep Luthien from following (thus keeping her away from harm). However, Luthien still followed him, and “then Beren perceived that Luthien could not be divided from the doom that lay upon them both, and he sought no longer do dissuade her”. Luthien didn’t care what kind of danger she was exposing herself to. Her love was so strong that she just wanted to be with Beren despite the “storm” of danger around them both.

“Daybreak” -Snow Patrol
Something was bound to go right sometime today
All these broken pieces fit together
to make a perfect picture of us
It got cold and then dark so suddenly and rained
It rained so hard, the two of us were the only thing
That we could see for miles and miles

And in the middle of the flood I felt my worth
When you held onto me like I was your little life raft
Please know that you were mine as well;
Drops of water hit the ground like God's own tears
And spread out into shapes like salad bowls
And basins and buckets for bailing out the flood

The Story of Beren and Luthien is powerful and moving. They stay together despite everything they have to face. They were each other’s life raft, as it says in the song. Through the horrible ordeal, they had each other. And, in the end, the storm cleared and they were able to be together in peace. This is a hopeful song about love despite hardships, and coming out of the storm into the sun a little wet, but still together.


“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” –The Proclaimers
But I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
Just to be the man who walks a thousand miles
To fall down at your door

When I'm working, yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's working hard for you
And when the money, comes in for the work I do
I'll pass almost every penny on to you
When I come home(When I come home), well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who comes back home to you
And if I grow-old,(When I grow-old) well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you.

This is a fun song, one that I remember listening to as a little kid, but its still relevant to the story of Beren and Luthien. Both would go to any length for the other. They would stare death in the face. They were selfless and cared only about the other. This song could be sung from either Beren or Luthien’s point of view and it would still make sense.

Most of them ended up being in foreign languages... I hope that's okay? I provided the English translation.

Theme:
Frodo & Sam - Separation and Reunion
My songs sort of form a narrative. They tell the story of Frodo's departure into the west through Sam's eventual following of him, and their subsequent reunion in Valinor. (I think it's often forgotten, but in the appendix Tolkien did say Sam went across the sea too, some sixty years later. )

1. “Ging heut morgen ubers feld” from Songs of a Wayfarer – Gustav Mahler
Guten Tag, guten Tag!
Ist’s nicht eine schöne Welt?
Ei, du! Gelt? Schöne Welt?

Nun fängt auch mein Glück wohl
An ? Nein ! Nein ! Da ist mein,
Mir nimmer bluhen kann !

(Good day, good day!
Isn’t this a splendid world?
Hey, you there! Lovely world?

Will my happiness now flower
Too? No, no! I know that it can
Never bloom for me!)

This song, to me, is very reminiscent of Frodo's feelings after his quest. Although he is surrounded by beautiful and familiar things, he feels isolated and sad. He realizes he can't regain he former happiness there.

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2. “Home to Stay” – Josh Groban
When every boat
Has sailed away
And every path
Is marked and paved

When every road
Has had its say
Then I'll be bringing you back
Home to stay

Frodo and Sam's parting is bitter-sweet. This is Frodo saying, "You have so much to enjoy, and to be, and to do. Your part in the story will go on." But Sam was also a Ringbearer for a short time, and he can also go to Valinor when his work in Middle-earth is finished. "Home" is with Frodo, and although they have to be separated, it is with a promise of permanent reunion.

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3. “Beau Soir” – Claude Debussy
Lorsque au soleil couchant les rivières sont roses
Et qu'un tiède frisson court sur les champs de blé,
Un conseil d'être heureux semble sortir des choses
Et monter vers le cœur troublé.

(When the rivulets are rosy in the setting sun,
And a mild tremor runs over the wheat fields,
An exhortation to be happy seems to emanate from things
And rises towards the troubled heart.)

Perfectly illustrates Frodo finding peace and comfort in Valinor, and being healed of his wounds.

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4. “Time to Say Goodbye” – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
Con te partirò
Su navi per mari
Che, io lo so,
No, no, non esistono più,
It's time to say goodbye.

(I'll go with you
On ships across seas
Which, I know,
No, no, exist no longer;
It's time to say goodbye.)

Sam's goodbye to the Shire, to Middle-earth. He goes now to be with Frodo.

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5. “Auf dem Wasser zu singen” – Franz Schubert
Ach, es entschwindet mit tauigem Flügel
Mir auf den wiegenden Wellen die Zeit;
Morgen entschwinde mit schimmerndem Flügel
Wieder wie gestern und heute die Zeit,
Bis ich auf höherem strahlendem Flügel
Selber entschwinde der wechselnden Zeit.

(Oh, time disappears on a dewy wing
for me, on the rocking waves;
Tomorrow, will disappear on shimmering wings
Time again as yesterday and today,
Until I, on a higher radiant wing,
Myself disappear taken by the passing time.)

I think this is a perfect description of the journey to Valinor. Time disappears as you are separated from the mortal world, and lifted onto a higher plane of existence. This is Sam's journey to into the west.

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6. “Un bel di, vedremo” from Madama Butterfly – Giacomo Puccini
Un bel dì, vedremo
levarsi un fil di fumo
sull'estremo confin del mare.
E poi la nave appare.
Poi la nave bianca
entra nel porto,
romba il suo saluto.

(One good day, we will see
Arising a strand of smoke
Over the far horizon on the sea
And then the ship appears
And then the ship is white
It enters into the port, it rumbles its salute.)

This makes me think of Frodo eagerly waiting for Sam's ship. The language (of the translation, anyway ) is so similar to that of "Into the West" and of Tolkien that it almost seems a natural continuation LotR and illustrates a beautiful moment of Frodo and Sam's story that Tolkien said had happened but never bothered to actually write-out.

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(I have a song in a different language too. )


The Proud Land and the White City
A Gondor fanmix feat. Boromir & Aragorn

I chose Gondor as my main focus for the fanmix because I feel that Gondor should get some love. I am a Gondorian at heart and not many people really take a moment to realize what an interesting place it is. Gondor is a land of knowledge and strength for the world of Men and her people are always defending Middle-Earth against the foes of Mordor.

+ Just click on the song title to be taken to a Youtube page with the song. Or you can listen to the entire playlist in order at: http://www.youtube.com/user/DhampirVamp ... C89E4F1349


“Maybe Tomorrow” – Emily Curtis

The moon is gone
And the night is still so dark
I'm a little afraid of tomorrow

For this day was so long and hard for me
And I've lost some of the things so far I have trusted

Now I will close my heart and sleep a while
Bless my dream with gentle darkness
Until I could have my strength
To wait for the light
Maybe tomorrow....


** When you listen to this song think about personifying Gondor. What if Gondor was a living person? Times are tough, the sky is dark, evil is brewing and attacking next door, there is no king to take command… the thing that keeps everything intact is the love and dedication of the citizens. And even they are waiting for a King to bring them hope and victory…. Maybe tomorrow he will come. (I could only find the song by itself with this video from there series it’s from.)



“Dice” – Finley Quaye

I was crying over you
I am smiling I think of you
Where your garden have no walls
Breathe in the air if you care, you compare, don't say farewell

Nothing can compare
To when you roll the dice and swear your love's for me
Nothing can compare
To when you roll the dice and swear your love's for me

I was crying over you
I am smiling I think of you
Misty morning and waterfalls
Breathe in the air if you care, you compare, don't say farewell


** Personify Gondor again and think about the relationship between Gondor and Boromir. The love of his life was Gondor and her people and he did everything he could to bring hope to the people and protect her. I’m sure many tears would be shed after his death and many smiles while he was alive. Boromir lives on in spirit and memory of his deeds to Gondor. His love and life was for her.



“Someday” – Nickelback

Nothing's wrong, just as long as
You know that someday I will

Someday, somehow
I'm gonna make it all right but not right now
I know you're wondering when
(You're the only one who knows that)
Someday, somehow
I'm gonna make it all right but not right now
I know you're wondering when


** Think about Gondor from Aragorn’s point of view for this song. The heirs of Isildur are the ones who can reclaim the throne of Gondor and “make it all right” but the line of Kings was broken and the King’s chair remained empty for generations. “Someday, somehow” the King would return and lead the inhabitants of Gondor into an age of peace and tranquility… All Aragorn has to do is step up to the plate and the “Hollywood horror” for Gondor will be over.



“Proud Nation” - Immediate Music


** It’s an instrumental piece so I can’t give lyrics. But the reason I choose it is because when I hear it I think about all the deeds and victories done to give the people of Gondor hope to help them through another day: Boromir reclaiming Osgiliath, the victory at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, the eventual return of the King. (Apparently I’m not the only who thinks of Gondor when they hear this. Watch the video and you will see what I mean. I was just looking for the song and came across it so why not use it? )



“Walk” – Koda Kumi
(Sorry the Live version was the best I could find, Kumi always gets emotional towards the end of the song. Full English translation of the song can be found here: http://www.megchan.com/lyrics2/translations/walk.html)

You can keep walking
You can keep singing
Even if a painful reality is what awaits
You will go there, I know it
Getting hurt and
Being sad
Being happy
There's just one road you need to walk

There've been times you've almost given up...
When you stopped because you couldn't see ahead

If you believe
It will come true
That feeling
Is what's most important


** It took me a while to think about it but this song really fits Gondor whether you like the style of music or not. “‘She said to me, “Even now, there is hope left.” But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope.’” I’m sure we all remember Boromir’s words in Lothlórien. Times are rough for Gondor during the War of the Ring but if everyone can “keep walking… even if a painful reality is what awaits” them their hope shall be brought to life. (In the form of Aragorn.) As long as the people of Gondor continue to fight for what they believe and walk the road before them they can have a happy future.



“Don’t Look Back” – Boston

I finally see the dawn arrivin'
I see beyond the road I'm drivin'

It's a bright horizon and I'm awakin' now
Oh I see myself in a brand new way
The sun is shinin', the clouds are breakin'
'Cause I can't lose now, there's no game to play


** This song reminds me of Gondor’s restart once Aragorn was crowned. The people had dark times in the past and now with a new King they have a chance to restart and find happiness. Don’t look back at all the bad times, just focus on creating a new future now that peace has come.

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Still happily married to Sean Bean! (05-Feb-2010)

Aragorn's Journey
This theme focuses on Aragorn's internal struggle to claim the throne and acknowledge his heritage as depicted in the movies. I choose this theme because Aragorn is just pure awesomenessand I actually very much liked the way that Aragorn was sure about his destiny. The songs I picked symbolize his journey and realisation of what he has to become and overcome.

1. Easier to run - Linkin Park
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3RiDJ8_3Lo&feature=PlayList&p=8D550E249651565E&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=11

Sometimes I remember the darkness of my past
Bringing back these memories I wish I didn't have
Sometimes I think of letting go and never looking back
And never moving forward so there'd never be a past

If I could change I would take back the pain I would
Retrace every wrong move that I made I would
If I could stand up and take the blame I would
If I could take all the shame to the grave I would
If I could change I would take back the pain I would
Retrace every wrong move that I made I would
If I could stand up and take the blame I would
I would take all my shame to the grave

It's easier to run
Replacing this pain with something more
It's so much easier to go
Than face all this pain here all alone


I thought this song was very fitting with Aragorn's thoughts of the past. He was convinced that Isildur's weakness was also his weakness. He would wish that he was not burdened with such a past and forget about it. In his darkest thoughts he would want to make those events undone and erase the shame that has been cast on his lineage. He feels uncertain of his destiny because of his past, unsure if he can live up to the expectations. It's so much easier to run, like he did for years. Live in the wild without responsibilities, and forgetting the pain of his past.

2. Whisper - A Fine Frenzy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5-fL4S1BKQ

Running the race
Like a mouse in a cage
Getting nowhere but I'm trying
Forging ahead
But I'm stuck in the bed
That I made so I'm lying

Eager to please,
Trying to be what they need
But I'm so very tired
I've stopped trying to find
Any peace in my mind
Because it tangles the wires

This is a very beautiful and tender song and I thought it describe Aragorn's doubts and frustration very well when he's still in doubt of his destiny. He is trying hard to make things right, to live up to the expectations but he still feels like failing because he still does not see himself as the person which he tries so hard to be.

3. Any other name - Thomas Newman (from the American Beauty soundtrack)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIjWaulrLjs&feature=related

This is an instrumental piece and therefore has no lyrics. It's a piano piece which is very beautiful yet simple, it's captivating and touching. The fragile sounds of the piano resemble Aragorn's doubts and fears. They are quiet and not outspoken to others like the tragic tones of this piece. Whenever I hear this piece I can picture Aragorn, thinking over these doubts, in the middle of the night. At the end of the piece, the tones and melody grow stronger and more melodious as if then Aragorn realised what he was to do, which path to take.

4. Sound of silence - Simon and Garfunkel

Hello, darkness my old friend,
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping,
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence.


Again, when hearing this song I've to think of Aragorn's silent contemplations, which results in the growing realisation of his destiny. This realisation (or vision) slowly grows on him in the sound of silence, in the dead of the night.


5. Marching on - OneRepublic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmVSovGG6LY


For those doubts that swirl all around us
For those lives that tear at the seams
We know
Were not what we've seen

Oh
For this dance we move with each other
There aint no other step
Than one foot
Right in front of the other
Oh

Theres so many wars we fought
Theres so many things we're not
But with what we have
I promise you that
We're marchin on
We're marchin on

This is a much happier song, that tells that although alot might have happened in the past one has to move on. This is also what Aragorn must have realised: he could not dwell in the past, and beat himself up because mistakes he did not make. He had to move on, look ahead and take up his responsibilities which came with his birthright.

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O children, lift up your voice, lift up your voice,
Children, rejoice, rejoice..



It doesn't matter you don't believe in God, He believes in you.

Sorry all! I'd gotten out of things here, and didn't realize the dates and such. I'm going to extend this a bit more, so it's not too late to join! Also, don't forget about your covers!

Extended to July 25.

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going on a journey through my old claims

Theme:
Legolas the Elven Warrior
My songs all deal with the strength, agility, immortality, and beauty of the Elven Prince of Mirkwood. There is no timeline of the songs or story running through them, more of like a soundtrack of the life of Thranduilion <33

Cover Art



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1. Immortal by Adema
We're face to face
Loyalty is what I need to see from you
You're insecure
I can see the fear that breeds in your heart
Where will you run?
Where will you hide?
I see the blood drip from your eyes
Who will survive? Let's get it on
And we'll fight

I know who you are
The leader of lost souls
You can't kill me
I'm immortal

This embodies Legolas as an Elven fighter. He is loyal to the Fellowship and will do anything to fight and keep his friends safe.
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2. Hunter by 30STM
If travel is searching
And home what's been found

I'm not stopping

I'm going hunting
I'm the hunter
I'll bring back the goods
But i don't know when


Legolas is a warrior, a hunter.

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3. How to Save a Life by The Fray
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

In an Alternate Universe, Legolas isn't able to save the members of the fellowship and they die in his arms and his strength dwindles and regret sets in.

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4. Until the Day I Die by Story of the Year
Until the day I die
I'll spill my heart for you, for you
Until the day I die
I'll spill my heart for you

As years go by
I race the clock with you
But if you died right now
You know that I'd die too
I'd die too

Another song of the loyalty of Legolas to the fellowship and all those around him. He'd fight to the death for his companions and even risk his immortality.

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5. Hero by Mariah Carey
There's a hero,
If you look inside your heart,
You don't have to be afraid of what you are,
There's an answer,
If you reach into your soul,
And the sorrow that you know will melt away.

This has a bit of a story where Legolas is doubting himself and his abilities but his friends and companions are there for him right by his side. He has to look inside of him to become the hero that he is.
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6. Cherry Lips by Garbage
You're such a delicate boy
In the hysterical realm
Of an emotional landslide
In physical terms

With your cherry lips and golden curls

This is a bit of a crack! song. This focuses more on Legolas's looks and doesn't need much more explaining than that.

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The waves that C R A S H E D upon
The R O C K S that you were trying to step along

And in my head I heard them play a S O N G