In each part of the film trilogy “The Lord of the Rings”, filmed by director Peter Jackson based on the novel by John Tolkien, a song plays during the closing credits, which, according to the filmmakers, corresponds to the atmosphere and spirit of the picture.
In The Desolation of Smaug, the tradition was not broken. Jackson personally chose the musician and settled on Ed Sheeran, a young singer-songwriter who wrote and recorded the song I See Fire especially for The Hobbit.
The history of creation and the meaning of the song I See Fire
Why didn’t the cult director give preference to one of the more venerable singers? First, Sheeran’s fan is Jackson’s daughter Kathy.
It was she who introduced her father to his work, and he really liked the songs of the British musician. Secondly, as it turned out, Ed is crazy about Tolkien’s novels and their adaptations, and The Hobbit was the first book that he independently read as a child. So there was not the slightest doubt that he would try his best to write a great composition.
Jackson e-mailed Sheeran one Sunday morning asking if he would like to take on a song for the film. He also immediately warned the musician that for this he would need to fly to New Zealand as soon as possible and see the picture. Ed agreed at once and was in Wellington in less than two days.
The further history of the song I See Fire developed rapidly. Sheeran went to watch The Desolation of Smaug, and immediately after the screening ended, he began writing the lyrics and playing the melody. On the same day, the main part of the song was ready.
Release and achievements
On November 5, 2013, I See Fire was made available online for free download. A month and a half later, she led the New Zealand charts, which was the first achievement of this kind for Sheeran. It peaked at number thirteen on the UK Singles Chart.
I See Fire video by Ed Sheeran
In the music video for the song I See Fire, Sheeran performs the song in the studio. The video also shows clips from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Interesting Facts
- Ed Sheeran performed the violin part on his own, although he had not played this musical instrument before.
- The old violin that Sheeran played in I See Fire was borrowed by Kathy Jackson from a school friend.
I See Fire Lyrics
Oh misty eye of the mountain below
Keep careful watch of my brothers’ souls
And should the sky be filled with fire and smoke
Keep watching over Durin’s son
If this is to end in fire
Then we should all burn together
Watch the flames climb high into the night
Calling out for the rope, sent by and we will
Watch the flames burn on and on the mountain side
And if we should die tonight
Then we should all die together
Raise a glass of wine for the last time
Calling out for the rope
Prepare as we will
Watch the flames burn on and on the mountain side
Desolation comes upon the sky
Now I see fire, inside the mountain
I see fire, burning the trees
And I see fire, hollowing souls
And I see fire, blood in the breeze
And I hope that you’ll remember me
Oh, should my people fall
Then surely I’ll do the same
Confined in mountain halls
We got too close to the flame
Calling out father hold fast and we will
Watch the flames burn on and on the mountain side
Desolation comes upon the sky
And if the night is burning
I will cover my eyes
For if the dark returns then
My brothers will die
And as the sky’s falling down
It crashed into this lonely town
And with that shadow upon the ground
I hear my people screaming out
I See Fire Lyrics Ed Sheeran
Oh misty gaze of the mountains below,
Carefully guard the souls of my brothers
And if the sky is filled with fire and smoke
Keep watching over Durin’s son
If it’s meant to end in fire
Then we must burn together
Watch the flames rise high in the night
Shout for the rope to be dropped and we will
Watch the flames blaze on the side of the mountain
And if we’re meant to die today
Then we must all die together
Raise one last glass of wine
Shout out to drop the rope
Get ready as we will
Watch the flames blaze on the side of the mountain
Desolation covers the skies
Here I see the fire inside the mountain
I see fire burning trees
And I see the fire that ravages souls
And I see fire, blood in the wind
And I hope you will remember me
Oh if my people fall
Then of course I’ll do the same
Enclosed in mountain halls
We got too close to the flame
We call, father, hold on and we will
Watch the fire blaze on the side of the mountain
Desolation covers the skies
And if the night is on fire
I will close my eyes
‘Cause if the darkness comes back
My brothers will die
And the falling sky
Came down on this lonely town
And in the shadow that fell to the ground
I hear my people scream
