The Valleys

The lyrics:

I heard it from the valleys, I heard it ringing in the mountains I heard it from the valleys, I heard him singing in the mountains

Robert, when I drowse to-night, Skirting lawns of sleep to chase Shifting dreams in mazy light, Somewhere then I'll see your face Turning back to bid me follow Where I wag my arms and hollo, Over hedges hasting after Crooked smile and baffling laughter, We know such dreams are true!

(WOMEN) Running tireless, floating, leaping, Down your web-hung woods and valleys, Where the glowworm stars are peeping, Till I find you, quiet as stone On a hill-top all alone, Staring outward, gravely pondering Jumbled leagues of hillock-wandering. You and I have walked together In the starving winter weather. We've been glad because we knew Time's too short and friends are few. We've been sad because we missed One whose yellow head was kissed By the gods, who thought about him Till they couldn't do without him.

(MEN) He's come back, all mirth and glory, Like the prince in a fairy tory. Winter called him far away; Blossoms bring him home with May.

(ALL) Now he's here again; Standing in a wood that swings

Now he’s here again Standing in a wood that swings To Madrigal he sings And I'm sure, as here I stand, That he shines through every land, That he sings in every place Where we're thinking of his face

And we know such dreams are true

GORGEOUSNESS!!!

This song is absurdly magical.

I enjoy that this is also one of the few songs where they mellow out towards the end rather build up.

The song and the poem it is based on are one soldier's dream of another who died in battle and a dedication to his friend's memory.