Concerning Mewlips

[Aaron]

The Adventures of Tom Bombadil was certainly an odd read for me, and one which proved very hit and miss. But I can say with confidence that my absolute favourite poem was The Mewlips. A creepy little Hobbit rhyme about these bizarre creatures who prey on unwary travelers.

But what are the Mewlips? Did Tolkien mean them to be a separate species - as with the Elves and Orcs? Are are they Hobbit interpretations of outsiders whom they couldn't name?
What do you think?

[Elmo]

I assume they're based on the creatures that dwelt in Mirkwood after the Shadow fell on it. The same creatures, i.e. orcs and spiders that the Hobbit fled westward from, a collective folk memory in a song.
The utter depth of Tolkien :D

Btw, I love this creepy version of it put to music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOQo57KBtSM

[Inziladun]

At some points in the poem the verses could reflect some part of Frodo and Sam's experience in the Dead Marshes on the approach to Mordor.

And slow and softly rings their bell,
As in the slime you sink.

By a dark pool's borders without wind or tide,
Moonless and sunless, the Mewlips hide.

With single sickly candle lit...

If the 'source' of that poem was Sam, maybe the Marshes inspired him, at least.