Into The West

Album: The Return Of The King (2003)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written by Fran Walsh, Howard Shore, and Annie Lennox, this song was performed by Annie Lennox over the ending credits to the third film in Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Return Of The King.
  • This song was in part inspired by New Zealand filmmaker Cameron Duncan's tragic early death from cancer. The song's first public performance was for Duncan's funeral.
  • Hayley Westenra and Yulia Townsend, singers from New Zealand, have both covered the song.
  • This won the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 2003 Academy Awards. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Tom - Lead-Deadwood, SD, for all above

Comments: 5

  • Mikel from SeattleHeard this song and it really hit home with me. Such emotion, sadness and hope. I have decided I want this song played at my funeral. The Annie Lennox version. I have heard others sing it, but no one can draw out the emotion of the song like Ms. Lennox.
  • Mike from Philadelphia, PaI had finally made the decision that it was time to put my 16 year old cat, Rudy, to sleep. It had been bravely struggling with diabetes and numerous other issues. I was on my way home to take him to the vet and hit shuffle on my iPod. This song came on and I cried like a baby. I still cry and think of Rudy when I hear it.
  • Cindi from Cary, NcA beautiful voice with such feeling, and what a timeless song! It brings many things to mind.
  • Julia from Richland, WaI really love this song! I wonder which character she was thinking about when she wrote the song....
  • Tom from Lead-deadwood, SdI can't hear this song without breaking down in tears. What a wonderful song, what a wonderful movie, what a wonderful story.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up Musicians

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up MusiciansSong Writing

Eddie (played by Johnny Depp in the video) found fame fleeting, but Chuck Berry's made-up musician fared better.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."