Song Stories: "This Wandering Day"

On journeys and finding a place to call home

As someone who loves folk songs, I thought I’d introduce a new monthly feature that examines lyrical storytelling. When I heard “This Wandering Day” by Bear McCreary and Megan Richards on episode five of The Rings of Power, I knew I had to write about it. But before I get into the analysis, I’d like you to give it a listen.

LYRICS

The sun is fast falling, beneath trees of stone

The light in the tower, no longer my home

Past eyes of pale fire, black sand for my bed

I’d trade all I’ve known for the unknown ahead.

Call to me, call to me, lands far away

For I must now wander this wandering day

Away I must wander this wandering day.

Of drink I have little, and food I have less

My strength tells me no, but the path demands yes

My legs are so short, and the way is so long

I’ve no rest nor comfort, no comfort but song.

Sing to me, sing to me, lands far away

Oh rise up and guide me this wandering day

Please promise to find me this wandering day.

At last comes their answer, through cold and through frost

That not all who wonder, or wander are lost

No matter the sorrow, no matter the cost

That not all who wonder, or wander are lost.

If you are unfamiliar with the show, the Harfoot tribe are the nomadic ancestors of the Hobbits. They have no permanent home – instead, they wander Middle Earth, foraging for food according to what is in season. A cart and tent are all they have for shelter. This lifestyle is not an easy one, and as the story progresses, the viewer comes to see just how courageous and crafty they are when it comes to survival. The Harfoots remind me of migratory birds because they summer in one place and winter in another.

The song’s literal meaning is about the perseverance that is required for such a long journey, but the emotion it evokes in the listener is perhaps even more important. To me, the lyrics are full of a hopeful yearning. They brought me to tears, and this seems to be a common reaction that other fans have also experienced.

Two lines in particular resonated with me. “I’d trade all I know for the unknown ahead” is how I feel at the moment because my house is up for sale. Moving is something I’ve done many times throughout my life, but the hard work required is exhausting. I get through it by looking ahead to the future, and reminding myself of all the new sights and experiences I will soon have. The line directly after it, “Call to me, call to me, lands far away,” expresses the desire to travel – something I have been wanting to do for years now. Being drawn to a particular place (and not being able to go there) is a painful emotion that nearly everyone has gone through in their life. This reminded me of a chapter in The Enchanted Life by Sharon Blackie, where she explains how landscape plays a key role in shaping our identities. I flipped though the book and found this quote:

“I see my journey from place to place not so much as a form of restless wandering, but as the acceptance of an invitation to delve more and more deeply into the holy mysteries of place. And I see myself undertaking that journey as pilgrims do, with rare and blessed humility, knowing that something is lacking, but not ever quite knowing what it was until they’ve reached their journey’s end.”

She refers to this search for home as finding a “place of resurrection” where our souls are the happiest. This is such a beautiful concept to me because I’ve been searching for this feeling my entire life. I can’t bring myself to plant roots in the ground until I’ve found where I belong. Like the migratory Harfoot tribe, I too am in search of the Shire. I know they will find it someday, and that gives me hope for myself. But until then, I’ll enjoy the road I’m on – and take in the varied landscapes along the way.