The Right That Never Returned (The Ship that Never Returned, Henry Clay Work)
This tune is also used for "M.T.A" and "The Wreck of The Old 97"
This will be a list of folk songs parodied to fit in the Lord of the Rings Universe. I am very liberal on what constitutes a folk song and will include both "old-time" songs (like this one) and songs from the folk song revival, as well as songs making fun of those songs (such as Tom Lehrer's "Folk Song Army"). This will be somewhat light on songs from the Civil War period (especially those about the war), as many have already been done in a seperate compilation.
On a summer's day when the stones were rustled by the harshest, hottest breeze
Did a ring not fight for the dawn of orc-dom while the mouth of Mount Doom wheezed?
There were cries of battle; there were clashing weapons while its form was yet discerned
Though they knew it not, 'twas a solemn parting for the ring, it never returned
.
Did it ever return?
No, it never returned
Its fate is yet unlearned
Though for years and years
There were Nazgûl watching
For the ring that never returned
.
Said the Nazgûl nine to the anxious Sauron, "We must cross the Black Gate tall,
For they say, perchance in a foreign climate that the ring was heard to fall."
'Twas a gleam of hope in a maze of danger and his heart for power yearned,
So he sent them forth with a curse and a snarl for the ring that never returned
.
Did it ever return?
No, it never returned
Its fate is yet unlearned
Though for years and years
There were Nazgûl watching
For the ring that never returned
.
"Only one more trip", said the king of Gondor as he kissed his weeping wife;
Only one fight 'gainst the orcs of Mordor and 'twill last us all through life.
Then I'll spend my days in my cozy throne room and enjoy the rest I've earned.
But alas! poor man! For he rode to battle with the ring and never returned.
.
Did it ever return?
No, it never returned
Its fate is yet unlearned
Though for years and years
There were Nazgûl watching
For the ring that never returned
Please review and feel free to suggest songs!
A note on suggestions: I will accept songs of any nationality, though I am unlikely to do songs with no readily available and MUSICAL* English version. I will still try, especially if it has a good tune. If in doubt, suggest it.
* A musical translation is considered to be a translation that, at the least, meets the syllable count and fits the meter of the original. Following the rhyme scheme (if applicable) is optional, but preferred.