Now this one is based on
El Paso by Marty Robbins © 1959 (renewed) Mariposa Music Inc. (BMI).
For those of you who don't know the original, all I've been able to find is a wav file of the first 2 lines sung by Marty Robbins (+ original lyrics)
here.
My original plan had been to make the last verse about Frodo & Gollum at Sammath Naur. Something like:
From out of nowhere, that Gollum has found me;
Biting my hand for the gold 2Rπ ('two-ar-pi').
Throttled by two loathsome arms that I’d pitied,
One little bite and “My Precious, Good-bye.”
Although it needs some work. (Obviously.)
However, my first verse was from 'The Shadow of the Past' and without adding umpteen verses, I couldn't get Frodo any further along than to Rivendell. Maybe someone else can continue the story.
Imladris
Out in the West Mid-earth land of The Shire,
I learned that I had a magical Ring.
Nighttime would find me in Bag End’s warm study
Gandalf would smoke and Sauron’s Eye would sting.
Tempting and strong was the pow’r of My Precious;
Wicked and evil while casting its spell.
I had to destroy this ‘tri-fel-ling trinket’.
Set off for Bree then on to Rivendell.
One night, a wild young Ranger joined in,
Wild as the West Ocean wi-i-i-i-ind.
Warning and wond’ring, the crowd he was pond’ring,
Knowing my secret, the Ring that I held...
We’re in danger-er-er! He
Questioned my wisdom in using this trinket.
Down went his hand for the Sword that he wore.
His ID was proven by Gandalf’s old letter;
The wise, wary Ranger then bolted the door.
All through the long night we waited in silence,
Shocked by the foul things the Nazgûl had done.
Many thoughts raced through my mind as I sat there.
We had but one chance, and that was to run.
Out through the back door of Barli’s we ran,
Out where the ponies were ti-i-i-i-ied.
But there was not one – we looked cooked and well done.
We paid Bill Ferny for one we can’t ride...
…So we walked fast as we
Could from the North Kingdom village of Breeland,
Into the Wild lands that we did not know.
Back at the Pony, my life would be worthless.
Everything’s gone in life, nothing is left.
It seems so long since I’ve seen the green Shire;
My love is stronger than my fear of Wraiths.
I saddled up and away I did go,
Riding alone in the dar-ar-ar-ar-ark.
One recent ev’ning a Black blade did find me.
Tonight, nothing’s worse than this pain in my heart...
And at last he-ere I
Am on the hill overlooking Bruinen.
I can see white water rushing below.
My Quest is right and it pushes me onward,
Down to the Ford with the Great Ring I go.
Off to my right I see five mounted Nazgûl;
Off to my left ride another Black four.
Splashing and snorting, As-fa-loth won’t fail me;
I have to make it to Elrond’s back door.
Something is dreadfully wrong for I feel
A deep, freezing pain in my si-i-i-i-ide.
Though I am trying to stay in the saddle,
I’m getting weary, unable to ride...
But my love fo-or My
Precious is strong and I rise where I’ve fallen.
’Cause I am weary I cry, ‘Elbereth!’
I see the Ringwraiths like smoke on the water.
I feel the knife-shard go deep in my breast.
From out of nowhere, Lord Elrond has found me;
Healing my wound as I sleep on pillows,
Cradled by two loving arms that I’d die for,
One little kiss and “Sam Gamgee, Hullo!”
[ March 10, 2003: Message edited by: Lostgaeriel ]
[ March 19, 2003: Message edited by: Lostgaeriel ]