The Silver Ships Of Andilar Lyrics - Townes Van Zandt

Of those that sailed the silver ships from Andilar I am the last 

And the deeds that rang our youthful dreams it seems shall go undone 

North for the shores of Valinor our bows and crimson sails were made 

Our captains were strong and our lances long and our liege the holy king 

Well 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 

For 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 

And longed every man for some glimpse of land 

And the host that did await us there 

Oh the 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 

And 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 

And 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 

And the Bodies froze where they did fall their souls unsanctified 

Until only another and I were left then just before his flame did fail 

We were shone ourselves brothers-in-arms to serve the holy king 

Perhaps this shall reach Andilar although I know not how it can 

Oh once again he's hurled his wind upon the silver prow 

Oh if it should my words are these arise young men fine ships to build 

Set them north for Valinor 'neath standards proud as fire