There is something special about Samwise Gamgee. In a world of hero-worship–a world that prizes individual achievement so highly–Sam is a helper. He doesn’t really want glory, or riches, or power. He just wants to look after his friends.
And Sam, for his part, would be the first to tell folks that Frodo Baggins doesn't get the credit he deserves. While other heroes of the War of the Ring were remembered for their deeds in battle, it was Frodo's compassion, his peaceful nature and his quiet courage that held the greatest power of all.
lyrics
There’s talk of heroes in the Shire these days
The victory to last a thousand years
Yet when they raise a glass
to that proud company and true
There is a name I seldom hear
Too good for losing in the noise of war
But once the battle cries have ceased
Then let it ring out clear
through all the ages of the world
In moments of quiet and peace
Think of him when there are fireworks
And when you dance away the hours
When all the lambs and foals go grazing
Most of all when there are flowers
If it weren't for Master Frodo
For the burden that he chose
There would be no elanor
And there would be no rose.
Them who'd speak ill can come and find me
They didn't see the things I saw:
The one who walked before,
who bore the weight of doom
And met the beast, and fought it to a draw.
You can call me Sam the Brave, and sure, I thought it
I'd have a sword of fire to free the land
But he went lonely through the fire,
and held the eye of hate
And the mercy that would save us stayed his hand.
You always talk of how I carried him
Don't you forget he carried me
So if you drink with me tonight
It's to his memory
Think of him when lanterns light the hill
And when you gaze on stars above
When you sing your songs and stories still
Most of all when you're in love
See, if it weren't for Master Frodo
For the burden that he chose
There would be no Elanor
And there would be no Rose.
credits
from Courage, Dear Heart,
released November 3, 2023
Summer Russell - lead vocals, guitar
Eric Distad - bass, mandolin
Sunnie Larsen - violin
I could listen to Lauren sing forever. Her writing is vivid and sensitive, sweetly and painfully human--never apologizing for sharp corners and rough edges. The beauty of her spirit shines through. Summer Russell
Singer-songwriter Henry Parker puts his own spin on the classic sounds of '60s and '70s British folk on this wilderness-inspired new LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 9, 2021
