#--------------------------------------------------------------# THE SILVER SHIPS OF ANDILAR Townes Van Zandt Copyright © 1972 Columbine and UA Music Performing rights w/ASCAP http://www.ascap.com/ace/ACE.html #-------------------------PLEASE NOTE--------------------------# #This file is an interpretation of Townes' work, and does not # #necessarily represent the actual way he recorded or performed # #the song, and is not intended to be used for any purpose other# #than for private study, scholarship, or research # #--------------------------------------------------------------# Dm Of those that sailed the silver ships G Bflat C Dm from Andilar I am the last F The deeds that rang our youthful dreams C Dm it seems shall go undone North for the shores of Valinor Gm Bflat C Dm our bows and crimson sails were made F Our captains were strong, our lances long C Dm and our liege the holy king 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 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 Longed every man for some glimpse of land and the host that did await us there But 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 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 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 Bodies froze where they did fall their souls unsanctified Until only another and I were left then just before his flame did fail We shone ourselves brothers-in-arms to serve the holy king Perhaps this shall reach Andilar although I know not how it can For once again he's hurled his wind upon the silver prow But if it should my words are these arise young men fine ships to build And set them north for Valinor 'neath standards proud as fire #--------------------------------------------------------------#