I play this song in some way every month since about 2000. I play it in remembrance of a dear friend who was killed by a drunk driver. Her gamer name was Arafel. A good friend long lost.
This is based on a CJ Cherryh book 'The Tree of Swords and Jewels' Read it many years ago; she handled elvish characters well well (prob second only to JRRT)
@KattraBlake She didn't have kids. But he can still both write and sing, as well as play. He's still an amazing artist, and I, personally, kinda resent people regretting the choices he made for his own happiness. I can't imagine it's comfortable for him either.
He is coming into his own voice more and more and you can still hear the minstrels magic poking through, I think he should re-record the duet album with him and heathers voices now that his voice has settled, it would be so amazing now.
I just got the meaning of the last line shifting through the stanzas. As the song progresses, her mind is focusing more and more upon the tree, upon ending her time here as did the others. The song now seems even more haunting.
agreed though i thought she was singing about a single tree that the elves used but starting to think each elf used a diferent tree that they then merge with much like the manor a dryad is merged with it's tree
james head it is a single tree. The song is based on a book called The Tree of Swords and Jewels. When each elf left the world they would hang their sword and their jewel (basically and magic personal necklace) on the great tree. So the tree is a collection of the memories of every elf who went away. Because Arafel is the last elf she is struggling with the decision to either stay in the world, or leave for the elven realm and relinquish her own sword and jewel to the tree. She misses her people and wants to be with them, but understands that if she leaves, the magic of the elves will leave with her. The tree is a painful reminder of this
@ArchangelAzrael13: No, it isn't ancient. Unless you count things from well within the last hundred years, anyway. I have, in fact, listened repeatedly to the song, and found it by looking it up after reading the lyrics; she says 'my own', not 'my horn', or anything of the sort, referring to her own sword and jewel. As for the Tree of Swords and Jewels, it has nothing to do with elven religion, at least in the terms of what deities they worship and the like, and it certainly isn't the symbol of it - it is sacred, but only because it contains the swords of every elf to have faded from the world, along with the jewels that hold their memories.
i read some time ago that there was a legend that when an elf tired of life they would hang ther soul on an enchanted tree and fall into a deep sleep and dream never to awake being the closest they can come to death
outermosttoe and why she was the last elf to withstand the tempatiom of the dream world the others of her kind had and if i recall It's been many years since i read the book that i barley remembered where i knew the story from she manages to break free after giveing up and starts to dream when some humans come to the wild wood to hide from a war and gives her a new perpuse in life
To live forever is one thing, but to live when you wish to die is another.Humans say all the time "I want to live forever.", but if you were anything other than human, you wouldnt.If you were an animal, without a bond, you would speed it up, If you were another bypedal, you would not wish for life to quicken, nor slow, it wouldn't be rushed, and it wouldnt be held captive, but it would be savord.Be careful what you wish for, because when the world bigins to die, you will have to stay and watch.
Does anyone have tabs for a guitar version of this? I've been given a year long project to learn it on guitar, but since this is written mostly for harp and violin, I can't find a guitar version. Alternately, is there a place to get the sheet music? Thanks.
Nice to see someone else is doing this one, though I realize the comment is old. I do this at Ren Faire, I've changed the chord progression slightly though- instead of 1m, 6,4, I play it 1m, 4m, 6- using that minor chord the 2nd chord in makes it much more haunting when you're singing it- fits the lyrics better😊
@HiWayLady49 I know that he has a version of "Faerie Queen" called "He of the Sidhe", with the same story but different lyrics and music, I hope that might be able to help you find more.
Huh. I had this song in a cover by another singer, and it was not as clear - all these decades I thought she was asking if she should hang her 'oath' but it is very clearly her 'own'.
Jim Trigg Nope, I first heard it on one of the Technical Difficulties cassettes. That is the version I have bee listening to since college, or in Canadian English, since University.
@Luxai Oh I am not saying it isn't a crying shame but she never had kids as far as I know so if she really did die who would have the rights to her music? It is a pity sure but at least no one died.
I much prefer the Kylson and Anne arrangement (SCA, Oertha) of this setting... Sir Kylson on guitar, Mistress Anne on vocals, and sometimes hammer dulcimer. Sadly, Sir Kylson is passed on...
@ Fire23eater Oh, and to just throw us into a stereotype just because of the music we listen to is extremely offencive to me!! True, some of the people listening to this may be goth or pagan, but to assume others are without proof?! This music is beautiful, and if you would listen to it, you would appreciate the beauty. Though I suppose your mind is clogged with what counts as music in this modern time that you have lost your ability to hear beauty. And fix your grammar and spelling.
Someone mentioned it is based on a book, in the earlier comments. I hear the last of an immortal, unchanging race; someone who feels burdened by an untenable responsibility to maintain and feeling alone (and maybe lonely?); and considering, more and more, leaving off the power and gifts to maybe join the others of its kind who all left long ago.
A bit of a possibly divisive opinion, but I honestly don't think this song accurately depicts Arafel's character in the books. While this song laments Arael's inability to pass on, most of her actions in the books are motivated by the fact that she WON"T pass on. She refuses to leave Eald behind or accept change. Her stubbornness is a huge part of her character from the very first chapter. That said, I think the song is amazing and perfectly depicts one of their (for me) best and most attractive aspects, their perpetual sense of loss as the world around them changes and they are left behind.
@@reddir I would definitely encourage you to read the book. It's a fantastic work, just like this song! I've never seen a story told from an elf's perspective so well!
@Willowflight17 I wanna live forever. :). But not because i wanna have a "superpower" or be like a vampire. I want to see how our world turns out, and see if we make it past 2500.
Hmm... I've heard the song before, even sung it but I've never read the book it comes from. Would you be so kind as to say what book it comes from? I would be grateful
@onyxdubh I'm sorry but nothing will ever be able to give me the same feeling as this long lost voice can. But everyone have the right to make his own choices in life.
He's a fairly high tenor, I understand. Apparently, on one album he sings a duet with Heather; his voice is high enough and hers low that he can do that, with effort. Mind you, I've not heard him myself, so this is all second hand at best.
er, no offense intended for those who like modern music... (rap and stuff like that). My family is very music oriented, so we have higher standards for the music we listen to. Again, I apologize. Some modern-styled music can have a powerful message. (though sex, drugs and gangs seem to have center stage...)
@Fire23eater The word "pagan" refers to any religion that is not christen. So Muslims are pagan, buddhists are pagan, and any other religion. I am fairly certain that you did not mean insult to those people, so all I ask is that you know exactly what a word means before using it. @Multifantasydreamer wow. We agree on something.
No this song is ancient. It did NOT come from LoTR. The actual year of its writing is unknown, The song is about the terrible time when this world the the Elves. It is believed the Elves were here...once... LISTEN to the words! Look up the lyrics and this song will touch you. It is a VERY sad song. Hanging a Horn upon a tree means you are leaving a place you love. The Tree Of Swords And Jewels is the Elven Altar, as in their symbol of their Religion. The song is sung in the voice of the LAST one
I play this song in some way every month since about 2000. I play it in remembrance of a dear friend who was killed by a drunk driver. Her gamer name was Arafel. A good friend long lost.
I am sorry about your loss
Keeping the memory alive 23 years later. Good on you.
my mother would play this for me when i was a baby up untill i was 6 years old read both of the books love them greatly
A perfect blending of sorrow and eternal beauty. Only to be expected from she who wrote March of Cambreadth.
This is based on a CJ Cherryh book 'The Tree of Swords and Jewels' Read it many years ago; she handled elvish characters well well (prob second only to JRRT)
Sources?
Second to Tolkien on the topic of elves is a bit like being second to Asimov on the topic of robots.
@KattraBlake She didn't have kids. But he can still both write and sing, as well as play. He's still an amazing artist, and I, personally, kinda resent people regretting the choices he made for his own happiness. I can't imagine it's comfortable for him either.
Awesome song. When first heard it I had goose skin. Very epic lyrics, and the music has souls within. Thank you so much for posting.
I always think of this as being the perfect theme song for the elves in Tolkien's world...
He is coming into his own voice more and more and you can still hear the minstrels magic poking through, I think he should re-record the duet album with him and heathers voices now that his voice has settled, it would be so amazing now.
This song was Written by Mercedes Lackey and is on her album Freedom, Flight, & Fantasy it is just sung by Heather Alexander
I just got the meaning of the last line shifting through the stanzas.
As the song progresses, her mind is focusing more and more upon the tree, upon ending her time here as did the others.
The song now seems even more haunting.
agreed though i thought she was singing about a single tree that the elves used but starting to think each elf used a diferent tree that they then merge with much like the manor a dryad is merged with it's tree
+reddir a friend of mine base her story ideas , its been chasing me, shifting through the stanzas, that for the words I was looking for
james head it is a single tree. The song is based on a book called The Tree of Swords and Jewels. When each elf left the world they would hang their sword and their jewel (basically and magic personal necklace) on the great tree. So the tree is a collection of the memories of every elf who went away. Because Arafel is the last elf she is struggling with the decision to either stay in the world, or leave for the elven realm and relinquish her own sword and jewel to the tree. She misses her people and wants to be with them, but understands that if she leaves, the magic of the elves will leave with her. The tree is a painful reminder of this
Beautiful... simply Beautiful
One of my most favorite songs ever!
Beautiful.
Beautiful...
The most beautiful start
Thank you, much appreciated!
Great song!
beautiful
wow, some of these comments are a mess for such a beautiful song
People get passionate from good music. There is, however, no telling exactly how they will react.
wow this is beautyfull
i like this song!!!!
The world shall miss her. I have heard no other singer that could make her voice laugh and cry and wrap your heart in a hug all at the same time.
Sigh. I miss Heather Alexander....
+Mary McLaughlin ?
+Mary McLaughlin What are you talking about? He didn't die...
+Alison O'Connor
How is the voice/expression now? That is how we knew her...
She's a guy now; her voice is much different.
Minarchy Cortman
That's true, I do like the timbre of his voice now though. Still, he can't do the same things as before.
@ArchangelAzrael13: No, it isn't ancient. Unless you count things from well within the last hundred years, anyway.
I have, in fact, listened repeatedly to the song, and found it by looking it up after reading the lyrics; she says 'my own', not 'my horn', or anything of the sort, referring to her own sword and jewel.
As for the Tree of Swords and Jewels, it has nothing to do with elven religion, at least in the terms of what deities they worship and the like, and it certainly isn't the symbol of it - it is sacred, but only because it contains the swords of every elf to have faded from the world, along with the jewels that hold their memories.
i read some time ago that there was a legend that when an elf tired of life they would hang ther soul on an enchanted tree and fall into a deep sleep and dream never to awake being the closest they can come to death
*****
yes and he is debating with himself if he should join the rest of the elves in their sleep of dreams
james head Given Arafel's a woman, doubtful....
outermosttoe
and why she was the last elf to withstand the tempatiom of the dream world the others of her kind had and if i recall It's been many years since i read the book that i barley remembered where i knew the story from she manages to break free after giveing up and starts to dream when some humans come to the wild wood to hide from a war and gives her a new perpuse in life
Pretty much, though it's been ages for me too, and I never did finish the second!
Lovely :)
@onyxdubh I do not regret his being happy I regret my not being able to get more of her music there is a differences.
Pretty song.
Arafel's Lament is from the book Tree of Swords and Jewels by C J Cherryh
What's all this talk about religions? I thought this was just a song. And I think it's awesome, so I listen to it. Came here from a LotR song...
This was a beautiful song based on a CJ Cherryh book..The Tree of Swords and Jewels..and it captures this novel perfectly
@Ironsouled Arafel's Saga you can find a copy pretty easily on Amazon
To live forever is one thing, but to live when you wish to die is another.Humans say all the time "I want to live forever.", but if you were anything other than human, you wouldnt.If you were an animal, without a bond, you would speed it up, If you were another bypedal, you would not wish for life to quicken, nor slow, it wouldn't be rushed, and it wouldnt be held captive, but it would be savord.Be careful what you wish for, because when the world bigins to die, you will have to stay and watch.
@Somnioavis Umm no, actually the story that goes with this song was by C. J. Cherryh and is called Arafel's Saga.
lovely song don't know where its from but lovely song
Wish this song was available on cd... :-(
Heather, RIP
I just realized that this song is about the Arafel books . . . I am slow . . .
Does anyone have tabs for a guitar version of this? I've been given a year long project to learn it on guitar, but since this is written mostly for harp and violin, I can't find a guitar version. Alternately, is there a place to get the sheet music? Thanks.
Nice to see someone else is doing this one, though I realize the comment is old. I do this at Ren Faire, I've changed the chord progression slightly though- instead of 1m, 6,4, I play it 1m, 4m, 6- using that minor chord the 2nd chord in makes it much more haunting when you're singing it- fits the lyrics better😊
@kisucat It was either Magic, Moondust, and Melancholy or Freedom, Flight, and Fantasy. I think it was Magic though.
oh wow how did you get this song!? I have it on tape but I haven't been able to find the album it comes from on cd!
@Tharkun lol Yes it is one of the few times in life when that is a good thing to hear.
@HiWayLady49 I know that he has a version of "Faerie Queen" called "He of the Sidhe", with the same story but different lyrics and music, I hope that might be able to help you find more.
@KattraBlake He's still performing, you know. And writing music, the last time I checked.
You guys should listen to a song of hers called Shattered Glass...if you think this song is sad...
Dope
@KattraBlake I can agree to that.
Huh. I had this song in a cover by another singer, and it was not as clear - all these decades I thought she was asking if she should hang her 'oath' but it is very clearly her 'own'.
If the one you had is the one I think it is, it's still Heather Alexander, just not as well produced. "Magic, Moondust, and Melancholy" from OCP?
Jim Trigg Nope, I first heard it on one of the Technical Difficulties cassettes. That is the version I have bee listening to since college, or in Canadian English, since University.
+Jesse Hunter I know the feeling sometime I have a hearing loss so I lose the words
@KattraBlake He is now known as Alexander James Adams.....Damn good Tenner now actually
Wear can I get this song from? I can only seem to find it in one place, that is firebird arts and music for $18.00.
That's the only place you can legally get it, unless they visit cons and sell stuff there - I don't know, but many others do similarly.
@GarnetElf7 I have no idea where to find it, hence my asking. It seems to be hidden in a troll cave or something.
@lynxcat73 It's all the same for me. She's dead. Terrible loss.
Read the book. Kind of a hard read but it's good.
...you know I have seen a couple times of something about missing heather.. did she die or something..?
@onyxdubh he's also still got a damn good voice
@Luxai Oh I am not saying it isn't a crying shame but she never had kids as far as I know so if she really did die who would have the rights to her music? It is a pity sure but at least no one died.
I much prefer the Kylson and Anne arrangement (SCA, Oertha) of this setting... Sir Kylson on guitar, Mistress Anne on vocals, and sometimes hammer dulcimer. Sadly, Sir Kylson is passed on...
Is there a way to listen to this online? It might be nice to compare the different versions.
Kyslon and Anne's version? Sadly, I know of no recordings of it.
@ Fire23eater
Oh, and to just throw us into a stereotype just because of the music we listen to is extremely offencive to me!! True, some of the people listening to this may be goth or pagan, but to assume others are without proof?! This music is beautiful, and if you would listen to it, you would appreciate the beauty. Though I suppose your mind is clogged with what counts as music in this modern time that you have lost your ability to hear beauty.
And fix your grammar and spelling.
@KattraBlake I can't agree, sorry. She became a he? Loss of an awesome voice, and of Heather as she was.
her name is tatooed on my wrist.
that awkward moment when I'm a Christian who listens to this....
frog of cambredth= offspring the child's tune happen n' frog and the fearsom war song
march of the cambredth
i don't know about anyone, but imo, slowing the song down to .75 or .5 really ups the mournful tone of the song.
can anyone tell me what this song is about I have no idea all I know is it sounds sad
Someone mentioned it is based on a book, in the earlier comments.
I hear the last of an immortal, unchanging race; someone who feels burdened by an untenable responsibility to maintain and feeling alone (and maybe lonely?); and considering, more and more, leaving off the power and gifts to maybe join the others of its kind who all left long ago.
Thank you 🙏🏻
A bit of a possibly divisive opinion, but I honestly don't think this song accurately depicts Arafel's character in the books. While this song laments Arael's inability to pass on, most of her actions in the books are motivated by the fact that she WON"T pass on. She refuses to leave Eald behind or accept change. Her stubbornness is a huge part of her character from the very first chapter. That said, I think the song is amazing and perfectly depicts one of their (for me) best and most attractive aspects, their perpetual sense of loss as the world around them changes and they are left behind.
I have no idea, haven't yet read the book. I just love the way this is sung, and the simple music.
@@reddir I would definitely encourage you to read the book. It's a fantastic work, just like this song! I've never seen a story told from an elf's perspective so well!
aaaaaaaaahhh...... ( ; _ ; )
Why do I keep seeing comments about how heather alexander's a man now? I didn't see that on any of her websites...
@Willowflight17 I wanna live forever. :). But not because i wanna have a "superpower" or be like a vampire. I want to see how our world turns out, and see if we make it past 2500.
Yes, he is a ftm transexual, now known as Alexander Adams.
it's: when shall I hang my OWN not when shall I hang my horn.
Actually pagan means pre-Christian, that also means pre-Islamic.
Hmm... I've heard the song before, even sung it but I've never read the book it comes from. Would you be so kind as to say what book it comes from? I would be grateful
@Tharkun No she became a he.
@onyxdubh I'm sorry but nothing will ever be able to give me the same feeling as this long lost voice can.
But everyone have the right to make his own choices in life.
someone tell me please cause I am starting to freak digging on the web so far I can't tell... I hope she did not I like her music
He's a fairly high tenor, I understand. Apparently, on one album he sings a duet with Heather; his voice is high enough and hers low that he can do that, with effort. Mind you, I've not heard him myself, so this is all second hand at best.
I'm not quite sure. I think she was a he. As in Heather Alexander has become Alexander James Adams but this sounds just like a woman singing.
This was recorded when he was still a she.
er, no offense intended for those who like modern music... (rap and stuff like that). My family is very music oriented, so we have higher standards for the music we listen to. Again, I apologize. Some modern-styled music can have a powerful message. (though sex, drugs and gangs seem to have center stage...)
yeha but I think she had like a sex change or something of the like.
Wierd. I thought she was from the UK but her wikipedia page says she's from california...
@Fire23eater The word "pagan" refers to any religion that is not christen. So Muslims are pagan, buddhists are pagan, and any other religion. I am fairly certain that you did not mean insult to those people, so all I ask is that you know exactly what a word means before using it.
@Multifantasydreamer wow. We agree on something.
Pagan refers to any religion not of the Judeo/Christian pantheons. Muslims are not pagan.
except now she is a he
No this song is ancient. It did NOT come from LoTR. The actual year of its writing is unknown, The song is about the terrible time when this world the the Elves. It is believed the Elves were here...once...
LISTEN to the words! Look up the lyrics and this song will touch you. It is a VERY sad song. Hanging a Horn upon a tree means you are leaving a place you love. The Tree Of Swords And Jewels is the Elven Altar, as in their symbol of their Religion. The song is sung in the voice of the LAST one
Why do people like you do that? Just come to the internet and make shit up?
@@user-rb3yx1bf6g Why do people like you do that? Reply to a five year old comment and hope that they will respond?
heather alexander is a girl, not a guy.
@GarnetElf7 I have no idea where to find it, hence my asking. It seems to be hidden in a troll cave or something.