Overture/The Gathering

Video: Overture

Lyric:

In a long expected gathering, in an oft-neglected smattering of celebration, fireworks, and good old-fashioned cheer. In a distant reach of history, on the darker edge of a memory came a gathering of friends and neighbors far and near. It was long ago, when the Earth was green, the countryside slept so serene, but all is never calm as it may seem. Then with a flash of a heat and smoke, and a slap in the face of respected folk, the wheel of fate began at last to turn, and so awoke.

Lyrical Reading:  Lyrics - Overture/The Gathering

About the songs

Inspired one night as I left 'the Cavern' by asking Les, what do you want to do next, and he said 'horns.. horns blowing wildly'.    The songs were written over about a two year period (the Chronicles have details), and usually began with chord ideas which later became songs.  Most melodies were not present in the beginning, with the exception of Lorien by Les, to which I added the middle section.  They were written out of sequence, and With a Sigh I believe preceeded the opera entirely, but seemed to fit in.  The Overture came late by Les, with the Gathering stuck on the end.    Various attempts were made at recording the entire opera, usually losing steam just after Shadows of the Past.  A live 'garage band' version by the Senders exists, as well as a 2004 version done solo by me.  These sessions were done remotely between College Station TX and Gallatin TN using Reaper and Band in the Box, as well as live instruments and vocals.  Truth is Known was actually recorded (and sung) by Les in College Station using his live band there, although I think I substituted my own vocals here (since I love the song so much).  Anyone wishing to attempt to scream the final verse is welcome!

About the videos:

 All rather simply recorded using a FujiFilm FinePix S700, they were done for fun but some surprising images arose.  I was aided by the fact I had a planetarium out back, with models and various lighting effects, plus all the lyrics and chords typed up for 20 years waiting.  I wanted to put the whole thing on Youtube, so I had to have something for each song, and used as many strange props as possible.  The green metal Eye of Sauron washed up in my creek, as did the spiral representation of Minas Tirith.  Lorien used a current video and one made a year earlier.  That was my wedding ring in the creek, and my very bad acting in On a Day (Far Away).  They were done using alternate videos playing on TVs, in mirrors etc, all to try to make them mildly amusing.  The music's the thing.  But the videos were a labor of love as well.  Love of these things perhaps is what will sustain us when the winter of our years at last has come.

Gary Likert
mrgare5050@gmail.com
Gallatin, TN
December 2014

                                   Celebration, fireworks, and good old fashioned cheer
                                                          Video: Overture

Shadows of the Past

Video: Shadows of the Past

Once upon an age, long before, the world was so much younger. Elvensmiths engaged, did they know, that knowledge was a hunger? Searching for only an understanding, and they were snared! Scorched by a flame that was so demanding, if they had cared, if they had dared. Evil he engorged, long before, his countenance would blacken. Rings of Power forged, nevermore, the bitter grip would slacken. Tempting their hearts with a love of a making, and so unmade. Bending their wills and their bodies forsaken, if they would fade, if they were shades. Nine for the mortal men doomed to die, and three for the wanderers beneath the sky. Shadows await! Seven for the lords in their halls of stone, but One for the ruling hand all alone. Shadows of hate! Shadows of the past are taunting, and I say. Shadows growing fast are daunting, and I say. Shadows of the past, are haunting but time will not wait. Searching for only an understanding, and they were snared. Worshipped a flame that was so demanding, that they had shared, that they had dared. Nine for the mortal men doomed to die, and three for the wanderers beneath the sky. Shadows await! Seven for the lords in their halls of stone, but One for the ruling hand all alone. Shadows of hate! Shadows of the past are taunting, and I say. Shadows growing fast are daunting, and I say. Shadows of the past, are haunting but time will not wait.

Lyrical Reading:  Lyrics - Shadows of the Past

                               Searching for only an understanding, and they were snared
                                                   Video: Shadows of the Past

Rangers of the North

Video: Rangers of the North

Hark now to what I say, peril grows each passing day. Fell horsemen down the Greenway fly! Errant whispers gone astray, make it now unwise to stay. All roads alive with sleepless eyes. Somehow I've always known, unlooked for right or wrong, unbidden help along the way. Its true I'm often told, all that glitters is not gold, how can I trust in what you say? Rangers of the North are calling, your power's on the run. Rangers riding forth are falling, your hour comes, your hour comes. Shadowed were your every steps but, not enough you fear them yet, they stalk with dread you cannot know! Will you now outrace the dead? I know paths they seldom tread, you walk to ruin unless I go. Somehow I've always known, unlooked for right or wrong, unbidden help along the way. And though I'm often told, all that glitters is not gold, something about you seems to say. Rangers of the North are calling, your power's on the run. Rangers riding forth are falling, your hour comes, your hour comes. Feels like trouble to me! Feels like trouble to me, can't you see? Well I don't want trouble to be, but it feels like trouble to me, can't you see? Hark now to what I say, peril grows each passing day! Hark now to what is told, all that glitters is not gold! Feels like trouble to me! Feels like trouble to me, can't you see? Well I don't want trouble to be, but it feels like trouble to me, can't you see? Hark now to what I say, peril grows each passing day! Hark now to what is told, all that glitter's never gold! Hark now and look ahead, you'll remember what I said. Feels like trouble to me. Feels like trouble to me. Can't you see?

Lyrical Reading:  Lyrics - Rangers of the North

                                           Feels like trouble to me, can't you see?
                                                    Video: Rangers of the North

On Amon Sul

Video: On Amon Sul

On Amon Sul, we'll find a place in the emptiness. On Amon Sul, a place to watch and hide. On Amon Sul, we'll stare in the face of the loneliness. On Amon Sul, we'll find no place to go,there'll be no path to show, we'll find the one who knows. On Amon Sul, we'll find the one who rides. Uncommon fool, despair in the lidless eye. On Amon Sul, we'll stare in the face of the loneliness. On Amon Sul, he'll find nowhere to run, when darkness takes the sun, he'll find nowhere to run. Then, his kingdom come, his will be done, to your dismay. Then, his kingdom come, his will be done, to your dismay. From Mordor, from Barad-dur the Captain of thy Despair doth speak, and you are bidden to ride by night with terror before you into the gale with terrible speed, and seek you there an uncouth land called Shire, and thou art bidden to find the thief who hath stolen the bitter wheel of fire which burns at the black heart of the world but is now hidden, and he is to be taken with torment and will return what he hath took in blasphemy to its rightful maker from whose accursed hand it was severed, and further pursuant to this, he and those who abetted him are to be borne to the houses of endless lamentation, and there their shriveled minds shall writhe in the hopeless thralldom which awaits those who would seek to interfere in the affairs of the Prince of Nothingness, this thou wilt obey in the name of the undead flesh which binds you in the service of He Who Does Not Sleep, and verily all those who walk beneath the sullen sun shall in the end come at last and fall down upon their knees before him and call him LORD, for the infidel doth rise and the rabble of the West shall utterly fail, when the BLACK HAND IS RAISED. On Amon sul, we'll find no rest in the emptiness. On Amon Sul, no place to watch and hide. On Amon Sul, we'll stare in the face of the loneliness. On Amon Sul, you'll feel the loss of the innocence, no home to return to a sweet caress, you'll find that you're alone.

Lyrical Reading:  Lyrics - On Amon Sul

                                             The captain of thy despair doth speak
                                                       Video: On Amon Sul

The Haggard King

Video: The Haggard King

Kingdoms of the petty warring tribes, battling under ancient skies. Glistening was the greedy sun descried, rattling under tainted lies. Rising to his throne like a phoenix on the wing, armies flocking to his call. Look in! Look in! Look into the eyes of the Haggard King! Power hungry fools of a different day, blind ambition in eclipse. Ever ready tools under distant sway, plunged into the cold abyss. Fading into grey like a tombstone in the rain, evil flocking to his call. Look in! Look in! Look into the eyes of the Haggard King! He's a haggard king, he's got a deadly ring. He's gonna take you down. Cursed were the spells of the morgul blade, woven with the bane of man. Worsted were the swords of the righteous slayed, broken in the grinding sand. Rising to his throne like a phoenix on the wing, evil flocking to his call. Look in! Look in! Look into the eyes of the Haggard King! He's a haggard king, he's got a deadly ring. He's gonna take you down. Look in! Look in! Look into his eyes! Look in! Look in! Look into his lies! Look in!

Lyrical Reading:  Lyrics - The Haggard King

                                   Worsted were the swords of the righteous slayed
                                                   Video: The Haggard King

The Race to be Run

Video: The Race to be Run

Long journey, almost home, I'd never have started, if I could have only known how long I'd be parted, from all that I love, in this race to be run. This race to be run. Rivendell, Elvenhome, awaits me its calling, but my time has somehow flown, my body is falling. My life on the line, in this race to be run. This race to be run. I can't win if I don't let this race begin, give me grace, tell me I can win, if I don't then our race could end in this place. Tell me what I must do, in this race to be run. This race to be run. Fly! Fly! Fly! Foes upon you now. Fly! Fly! Fly! Closing in somehow. Somehow. Godspeed me, almost home, may Valar protect me, my burden has almost grown, too great now to carry, as far as I must. in this race to be run. This race to be run. I can't win if I don't let this race begin, give me grace, tell me I can win, if don't then our race could end in this place. Tell me what I must do, in this race to be run. This race to be run. Fly! Fly! Fly! Foes upon you now. Fly! Fly! Fly! Closing in somehow. Somehow.

Lyrical Reading:  Lyrics - The Race to be Run

                                    I can't win, if I don't let this race begin, give me grace
                                                    Video: The Race to be Run

A Refuge Strong

 Video: A Refuge Strong

On a day far away. On a day far away. On a day a final stand, The kindred stood in alliance grand and won. But little marked was Isildur, who took this thing and would not be content. On a day far away. On a day far away. Through the years, a refuge strong in Rivendell, a hope so long has slept. But little marked a sword reforged now goes to war and will not be content. What shall we do with this least of trifles? What shall we do with this bane of man? How can we deal with this beast that stifles? How can we bluff with a losing hand? I will take it! I will take it! I will take it, though I do not know the way. On a day far away. On a day far away. On a day now fast at hand, the faithful few again must stand or run, in the sun. But hope eternal walks with you, a love of life which will not be repent. What shall we do with this least of trifles? What shall we do with this bane of man? How can we deal with this beast that stifles? Who can we bluff with a losing hand? I will take it! (though just where I cannot say). I will take it! (they will find me anyway). I will take though I do not know the way. The rest is up to you, but I will not be content in the end. Enough to see it through, and now its up to you, once again! I will take it! I will take it! I will take it, though I do not know the way. I will take it to the east from whence its come. The story's often sung. I will take it though I fall down on my knees. I will take it, though I do not know the way. I do not know the way! I do not know the way (on a day, far away). Away.

                                 The rest is up to you, but I will not be content, in the end
                                                     Video: A Refuge Strong

In Moria/The Stand

Video: In Moria

Straight up ahead. Straight up ahead. Straight up ahead, the bitter stones are hurling, deepen my dread, the winter snows are swirling. What say you then, to your choice? We will not win, I hear the voice of our ruin in the wind. Beware my friend, I fear your fate awaits if you dare to go in, I fear too late our help could.... We must go on, there's no return. We won't go wrong, our luck will turn there within in Moria, in Khazad Dum. In Moria,our kingdom comes. In Moria, thy will be done. In Moria, all roads will run in the end, in the end. Door into night, a single word may lead us, so deadly a plight,when every hour may bleed us. Under the stone, where Balin sleeps far from his home, wild things may creep, in the dark in Moria, in Khazad Dum. In Moria,our kingdom comes. In Moria, thy will be done. In Moria, all roads will run in the end, in the end. Listen! Drums in the Deep. Fly, its a foe that's far beyond you! You cannot know the powers upon you! Don't look back and don't lose track now! He cannot make the stand alone there! We cannot break the plan we now bear! We must choose and either way we lose... in Moria, in Khazad Dum. In Moria, a king has come. In Moria, his will was done. In Moria, his road has come to an end, in the end.

                                        We must choose, and either way we lose
                                                       Video: In Moria

Lorien

Video: Lorien

Once in a dream I wandered through a forest gold, bent beneath the cold, feeling very old I did not know my way until a people came to me, yearning to be free, wanting just to be in Lorien, keeper of a thousand memories. Lorien, deeper than the sound of distant seas. Lorien, I hear it whispered on the day. Wanted it that way. Knew what I would say to you. Once in a dream a stranger came into this land. Strength was in his hand, but how we were to stand I did not know, my peril then, he offered it to me, the power to be free, through all eternity in Lorien, keeper of a thousand memories. Lorien, deeper than the sound of distant seas. Lorien, I hear it whispered through your trees. Its waiting there for me. Take a look and see, alone. And now I see you'd give what is not mine to choose. But where I go I cannot see. And better still you'd give, what is not mine to lose and what you know by now, can never be. I wanted then what now can never be! Long foreshadowed was the coming of our fears. And wasted were those tears. The winter of our years at last has come, and yet somehow I would not see it end. This road we cannot mend, was written in the wind, in Lorien, keeper of a thousand memories. Lorien, weep into the silent forest eves. Lorien, I pass the test and shall be free, but never more to be, eastward of the sea, alone

                                       And yet somehow, I would not see it end
                                                      Video: Lorien

The Breaking

Video: The Breaking

Yesterday I saw a world growing light, a road ahead so straight and clear. Another day and then we fall from the heights, Wages of hate in close arrears. Can you hear the sound of thunder, will we soon be torn asunder? Voices on the wind, the Breaking of the Fellowship has come! All my choices going ill in the end, scattered leaves of faded gold. All those empty songs are still in the wind, tattered sheaves of stories told. Can you hear the sound of thunder, will we soon be torn asunder? Voices on the wind, the Breaking of the Fellowship has. Will I soon regret the ways that I choose? Does my heart out speak my head? Still I won't forget the ways yet to lose, or does my part go on and on, insanely till I'm dead? All my choices are going ill in the end, scattered leaves of faded gold. All those empty songs are still in the wind, tattered sheaves of stories told. Can you hear the sound of thunder, will we soon be torn asunder? Voices on the wind, the Breaking of the Fellowship has. Voices on the wind, the Breaking of the Fellowship has come.

                           Can you hear the sound of thunder, will we soon be torn asunder?
                                                    Video: The Breaking

The Writing on the Wall

Video: The Writing on the Wall

Westernesse is dead, don't lose your head, new powers rise, we may despise but you know the score, you may deplore, his methods and style, but all the while think! That's just the sort of thing that I'd expect from you. You never wanted to protect your people. Where would you go if they rejected you? From all reports I'm getting, you're soon no longer sitting, up here in Isengard! Wizards wage no war, we direct the pieces on the board, from our stage afar, we select the winners by the sword. Wizards wage no war, we can read, the writing on the wall You must be mad! Your memory's gone bad! One hand alone, can wield the master. He won't abide the treachery you hide. You'll wake to find the shadow on your door! That's just the sort of thing that I'd expect from you, you never really had a head for business. Hard to believe that I respected you. You think you've got it made, I think you're gonna fade, up here in Isengard. Wizards wage no war, we direct the pieces on the board, from our stage afar, we select the winners by the sword. Wizards wage no war, we can read the writing on the wall. On the wall. On the wall. On the wall.

                                        Westernesse is dead, don't lose your head
                                                 Video: The Writing on the Wall

The Land We Knew

Video: The Land We Knew

Shadows gather cross the deep, war is at their door. Your ancient promise now to keep, and bind you evermore. Gondor burning in the night, will fall before the storm. Ride with speed into the fight, on you our hope is borne. Battle loosed with fury scorned, the paths of dead await. Wind you now your storied horn, and play the song of fate. West is failing, East may rise, a blight across the land. Elder sailing with the wise, before his withered hand. Bring us, bring us back into the land we knew. Let our spirits rise upon the day! Bring us, bring us, back before the hand of doom, let our spirits fade away! Troven allies join your hands, the sands of time begun. If your brother cannot stand, your land is overrun. Nameless darkness creeps with haste, into your border's sight. Mordor grins across the waste, and laughs into the night. Bring us, bring us back into the land we knew. Let our spirits rise upon the day! Bring us, bring us, back before the hand of doom, let our spirits fade away! Wizards wage no war, that is left for man to do. Let us fight no more, needless talking now is through Wizards wage no war, and never let us fade away. Fade away.

                                     If your brother cannot stand, your land is overrun
                                                    Video: The Land We Knew

The Rest of My Life

Video: The Rest of My Life

You say, the time is ripe for the fight To save the land You play, on our hopes and our fears, in the night With your demands 'We must play our hand' 'We must make our stand together' 'We wont fail our plan', but I say I don't want to spend the rest of my life in chains I don't want to spend the rest of my life in pain! You say, that the winds of war blow the truth Never to pall You pray, to rescind the scars they must lose Ever to fall Wagering our lives, On a foolish hope forever Sifting truth from lies, but I say I don't want to spend the rest of my life in chains I don't want to spend the rest of my life in pain! Run for your life if you can Run for your life if you can my friend Fight for the life of the land But don't you lose Run for your life if you can But face the truth From Amon Sul Come not between the Nazgul and his prey (Lest you be taken far away in torment) Uncommon fool Not by the hand of man (The prophecy is spoken and shall not be broken) Shall die! A son of lesser sires am I But now to die, perchance to live? Though battle's little known to me My part to be, my chance to live But I stab thee! You say, to fight or die is required To save the land You play on our hopes and our fears, to be fired Waving your hands We will play our hand We will make our stand together We won't fail our plan, but I say I don't want to spend the rest of my life in chains I don't want to spend the rest of my life in pain! Look south, black sails Hope dies, but wind's changing Cock crows, black quails All eyes to Elessar Elessar. Elessar! Run for your life if you can Run for your life if you can my friend Fight for the life of the land But don't you lose Run for your life if you can But face the truth

                                    Wagering our lives, on a foolish hope forever
                                              Video: The Rest of My Life

When the Truth is Known

Video: When the Truth is Known

Tokens now I offer thee Of all your life's futility When the truth is known When the truth is shown to be Your petty schemes are swept aside Hopeless dreams are suicide When the truth is known When the truth is shown to be When the truth is known, you'll turn and fly For the mercy of the lord Where the shadows lie When the truth is known When the truth is shown to be Tokens we will have of thee To keep alive their memory For the truth is known For the truth is shown to be Your future holds calamity The kings olf old return to be For the truth is known For the truth is shown to be When the truth is known, you'll turn and fly For the mercy of the lord Where the shadows lie When the truth is known When the truth is shown to be Same old song, same old wrongs Pain prolonged Vapors of the reek are flaring black Towers of the Teeth are staring back When the truth is known When the truth is shown to be With a gate of steel A wall of dread A sable-clad army marching straight ahead When the truth is known When the truth is shown to be When the truth is known, you'll turn and fly For the mercy of the lord Where the shadows lie When the truth is known When the truth is shown to be Same old song, same old wrongs Pain prolonged

                                   Shadows now I offer thee, of all your life's futility
                                                Video: When the Truth is Known

With a Sigh

Video: With a Sigh

A weary way I go now Beneath a fallen sky A dream unfolding, with a sigh A landscape so familiar, of desolation cries The wind is scolding, with a sigh I could not see my way clear What am I doing here? A city filled with darkness A nightmare ruin on high My heart is shaken, with a sigh A people filled with anger In silence now they lie Why can't I waken, with a sigh I could not see my way clear What am I doing here? Roll me over, roll me over With a sigh If you're dreaming, if you're dreaming So am I Roll me over, roll me over To disguise the way I feel I bend to offer comfort Face down a man still lies Where have I seen him, with a sigh A figure so familiar, I start to turn and fly My face asleep there, with a sigh I could not see my way clear What am I doing here? Roll me over, roll me over With a sigh If you're dreaming, if you're dreaming So am I Roll me over, roll me over To disguise the way I feel I turn to run, to where I was before Turn toward the sun But all is dark once more

                                      Turn towards the sun, but all is dark once more
                                                         Video: With a Sigh       - Original
                                                         Video - 2017 Remake - Preliminary
                                                         Video - 2017 Remake  - FINAL

               
                                        

Too Many Questions

 Video: Too Many Questions

Too many choices in the end Too many voices on the wind Too many questions asking why Too many ways for us to die Too may reasons not to turn around and run Too many eyes for them to see Too many lies for them to be Too many roads for us to choose Too many loads for us to lose Too many season now have burned into the sun But oh, can you see me Striding cross the plain? And in your hand a flaming brand goes on Or would you leave me Striving here in vain? And in your soul a deadly cold goes on Oh will you tell me How this burden came to me? Too many hunters in the field Too many powers not to wield Too many mists enshroud the world Too many banners now unfurled Too many towers falling back into the sand But oh, can you see me Striding cross the plain? And in your hand a failing land goes on Or would you leave me Striving here in vain? And in your soul a hopeless goal goes on Oh will you tell me How this burden came to me Where will I go, how will I know What will I see, where will I be Where will you go, how will you know What will you see, where will you be? Too many voices on the wind Too many choices in the end Too many questions asking why Too many ways for us to die Too many reasons not to turn and run Turn and we'll burn into the sun If we turn around and run

                                    But oh, can you see me, striding cross the plain?
                                                  Video: Too Many Questions

The Evil in Us All

Video: The Evil in Us All

Mind is clear, see too well. Our future fused in a living hell. Focused in, crystalized, I do not choose now as they advise. I would follow you most anywhere! For the sake of a homeward reaching prayer. Precious now, comes to me. A wheel of fire possessing me. Fools you were, to keep from me, what has been mine, And shall ever be. Do not wield the power they disdain! He will yield the hour but his pain, is your pain. Power, power, power corrupts, the evil in us all! Power, power, power interrupts the seasons as they fall!! Power, power, power corrupts, the evil in us all! The eagles are coming now, stand men of the west. The eagles are coming now, stand men of the west. The eagles are coming now, stand men of the west, don't fall. I would follow you most anywhere! For the sake of a homeward reaching prayer! But its mine, no its mine, its mine, its mine, its mine, its mine, its mine, its mine! Dark is all, eyes can't see. The tumult rages in front of me. Towers fall, skies upheave. My body falls in a mock reprieve. Stay beside me until the curtain falls! Pray beside me until the final thralls of, life are broken in the wreck, of it all. Power, power, power corrupts, the evil in us all. Power, power, power interrupts the seasons as they fall. Power, power, power corrupts, the evil in us all. The eagles are coming now, stand men, of the west! Don't fall.

                                                         But its mine
                                                  Video: The Evil in Us All

Taking Wing

 Video: Taking Wing

On a day, far away. On a day, far away. In my life, a constant search for truth, I would not be content Wandering the wild for many years, In faith, unwavering intent. On a day, far away. Taking wing, at last we sing. In your life, until you find the truth, you should not be content, its heaven sent. Peace and trust now walk with you, your lifeblood flows, and will not be repent. Bring us back the land we knew, at last in peace to live again. What was lost is found anew, and never cease again. Let us watch our children grow, to end this story we have started. Bring us back the land we know, and never part. Never part! Never part! Never part again! On a day, far way, on a night we're taking flight again. On a day, far away, on a spring of thee we sing. On a day, this final prayer for you, we will now be content! Now the kings are taking wing once more, our spirits soar, and not repent. And not repent. Nine for the mortal men, who died in vain. Three for immortal sin, passed in shame. Seven for the souls, who have gone before, and one Evil banished from the world, once, more.

                                     And one evil banished from the world once more
                                                        Video: Taking Wing

And When I Look

Video: And When I Look

And when I look into your eyes its gone. And when I look into a time that's flown. You can see forever it seems,and hand in hand you'll build on tomorrow. But if you look into my eyes its gone. And when I look into a world grown cold. And when I look and see my face grown old. I could leave this land in its sorrow, hopeless now to build on tomorrow. And when I look into the dark its gone. But wait, wait until the morning comes, this dream will end, and love will reign on. Wait until the sun returns, to warm my chilling cold. And I want to know, how long it goes? Never ending till tomorrow, and when I look into your eyes its gone. And when I look to what I'd always loved. The times I never thought would end above. I could see forever it seemed, and hand in hand we'd build on tomorrow. But if you look into my eyes its gone. But wait, wait until the morning comes, this dream will end, and love will reign on. Wait until the sun returns, to warm my chilling cold. And I want to know, how long it goes, never ending till tomorrow. And when I look into your eyes, and when I look into the skies, and when I look into your eyes its gone.

                                            I could leave this land in its sorrow
                                                 Video: And When I Look

The Straight Path

Video: The Straight Path

Do not weep, all tears are not an evil. No, go in peace for you know, time won't keep, forever in upheaval, no, never cease, but you must go. Do not speak, of things we won or lost, I know well the cost, but even though, I do not seek, to shun the Autumn frost. The Spring is left for you, And I must go. Once upon a time, The seas were bent, and mariners were often sent, alone, in search of ancient western shores. But hidden still for those with sight, a straighter path and filled with light ss shown, undying there, in ancient lore, the ancient door. Looking west I pass the test. The best I want from life is gone. Looking east at very least, at peace at last and life goes on, life goes on. Turning west, in final quest my road goes on, but wither then, well no one knows. But turn you east, there at the least a hearth and home, waits within, and you must go. Once upon a time the world was bent, and mariners were sometimes sent, alone in search of ancient western shores. But hidden still for those with sight, a straighter path instilled with right, is shown undying there in ancient lore, the ancient door. Looking west, I pass the test I go. Looking east, at least my hearth and home. Looking west, perhaps to rest I go. Looking east at last in peace I go. Looking west no longer quest I go. Looking east no more to cease I go. The ancient door! (not pass away), in ancient lore! (not pass away), the ancient door! (not pass away), In ancient lore! (not pass away).

                                              But whither then?  No one knows
                                                    Video: The Straight Path