Townes Van Zandt The Silver Ships Of Andilar Lyrics

Of those that sailed the silver ships from Andilar I am the last
And the deeds that rang our youthful dreams it seems shall go undone
North for the shores of Valinor our bows and crimson sails were made
Our captains were strong and our lances long and our liege the holy king

Well the hills did turn from green to blue
And vanish as on the decks we watched
But every thought in that noble company was forward bound
To the lifeless plains of Valinor where reigns the dark and frozen one
And with tongues afire and glorious eyes we pledged our mission be

For The clime from mild to bitter ran the wind from fair to fierce did blow
Oath and prayer did turn to thoughts of homes left far behind
And longed every man for some glimpse of land
And the host that did await us there
Oh the each new day brought only a sea and sky of ice and gray

Thanks give no word can drag you through
Those endless weeks our ships did roll
Thanks give you cannot see those sails and faces bleach and draw Ice we drank and leather did chew
For the oceans are unwholesome there
And the dead that slid into the seas did freeze before our eyes

Then a wind did fling the ships apart each one to go her separate way
And The sky did howl, the hull did groan for how long I do not know
And what men were left when the winds had ceased
Grew dull and low of countenance
For soldiers denied their battle plain on comrades soon must turn

So one by one we died alone some by hunger, some by steel
And the Bodies froze where they did fall their souls unsanctified
Until only another and I were left then just before his flame did fail
We were shone ourselves brothers-in-arms to serve the holy king

Perhaps this shall reach Andilar although I know not how it can
Oh once again he's hurled his wind upon the silver prow
Oh if it should my words are these arise young men fine ships to build
Set them north for Valinor 'neath standards proud as fire