The Old Walking Song

 

The Road goes ever ever on,

Over rock and under tree,

By caves where never sun has shone,

By streams that never find the sea;

Over snow by winter sown,

And through the merry flowers of June,

Over grass and over stone,

And under mountains in the moon.

 

The Road goes ever ever on

Under cloud and under star,

Yet feet that wandering have gone

Turn at last to home afar.

Eyes that fire and sword have seen

And horror in the halls of stone

Look at last on meadows green

And trees and hills they long have known.

 

~As recited by Bilbo (The Hobbit - Ch. 29 "The Last Stage")

 

 

The Road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the road has gone,

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with eager feet,

Until it joins some larger way

Where many paths and errands meet.

And whither then? I cannot say.

 

~As recited by Bilbo (The Fellowship of the Ring - Book 1, Ch. 1 "A Long-Expected Party")

~Repeated by Frodo (The Fellowship of the Ring - Book 1, Ch. 3 "Three is Company")

 

 

The Road goes ever on and on

Out from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

Let others follow it who can!

Let them a journey new begin,

But I at last with weary feet

Will turn towards the lighted inn,

My evening-rest and sleep to meet.

 

~As recited by Bilbo (The Return of the King - Book 6, Ch. 6 "Many Partings")

 

 

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Last updated: May 1, 2023