Unlocking The Mystery of Enya’s “May It Be”

Introduction

Enya’s hauntingly beautiful voice, combined with her emotive lyrics and ethereal soundscapes, has captured the hearts of listeners for decades. Among her best-loved works is the song “May It Be”, which was featured in the 2001 film The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. This article delves deep into the meaning behind “May It Be” and explores the inspiration that drove Enya to create such a masterpiece.

Table of Contents

Enya: A Brief Profile

Enya Patricia Brennan was born in Ireland in 1961. She began her music career as a member of her family’s band, Clannad, before launching her solo career in 1982. Enya is famous for her use of multi-layered vocals, which she records herself many times over, creating a unique sound that is entirely her own. She has sold over 80 million records worldwide, making her one of the most successful musicians of all time.

The Inspiration Behind “May It Be”

Enya wrote “May It Be” specifically for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The director, Peter Jackson, contacted her and asked her to create a song that would capture the mood of the film’s closing scene. Enya wrote the song in just a few days, drawing inspiration from the epic fantasy world created by author J. R. R. Tolkien.

Enya’s lyrics speak of a journey’s end, where one’s spirit finds peace and where one’s heart is free. The song’s opening lines, “May it be an evening star / Shines down upon you / May it be when darkness falls / Your heart will be true,” offer comfort to the listener, urging them to stay true to themselves even in difficult and dark times.

The inspiration behind “May It Be” was the desire to convey a sense of hope and comfort to listeners, assuring them that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

The Lyrics of “May It Be”

As mentioned earlier, the lyrics of “May It Be” were written in just a few days. The song’s simplicity and effortless flow belies the depth of meaning contained within its words. Here is a breakdown of the song’s lyrics and their significance:

Verse 1:
“May it be an evening star / Shines down upon you / May it be when darkness falls / Your heart will be true.”

This verse speaks of hope during dark times, asking for guidance and support from above.

Verse 2:
“May it be when we are weary / And wisdom calls us / To rest our heads on her shoulder / May it be.”

This verse speaks of wisdom and the comfort it brings, providing a sense of safety during times of hardship.

Chorus:
“May it be an evening star / Shines down upon you / May it be when darkness falls / Your heart will be true / You walk a lonely road / Oh how far you are from home / Mornie utúlië / (Darkness has come) / Believe and you will find your way / Mornie alantië / (Darkness has fallen) / A promise lives within you now.”

The chorus speaks of hope, urging listeners to believe in themselves and their ability to overcome obstacles. The elvish phrases, “Mornie utúlië” and “Mornie alantië”, add a mystical and ethereal quality to the song.

Verse 3:
“May it be the shadows call / Will fly away / May it be your journey on / To light the day.”

This verse speaks of overcoming darkness and finding light at the end of the tunnel. The journey may be difficult, but it is worth it in the end.

The Musical Arrangement of “May It Be”

Enya’s music is famous for its multi-layered vocals and intricate instrumentation. “May It Be” is no exception. The song features gentle harp melodies, lush string arrangements, and Enya’s unmistakable vocals. The use of traditional Irish instruments such as the uilleann pipes further adds to the song’s mystical and otherworldly quality.

The arrangement of “May It Be” reflects the song’s lyrics, with a sense of peace and comfort conveyed through the calming and soothing sounds of the music.

The Legacy of “May It Be”

“May It Be” has become one of Enya’s signature songs, beloved by fans all over the world. Its inclusion in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring helped introduce Enya’s music to a whole new generation of listeners, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.

The message of hope and comfort conveyed through “May It Be” has resonated with listeners for over two decades, making it a timeless classic that will continue to be loved and appreciated for generations to come.

Conclusion

“May It Be” is a song that speaks to the soul, offering comfort, hope, and inspiration during difficult times. Enya’s multi-layered vocals and intricate instrumentation create a sound that is both ethereal and comforting, conveying the song’s message of hope with ease.

Enya’s inspiration for “May It Be” came from a desire to create a sense of comfort and hope for listeners, and she succeeded brilliantly. The song’s legacy will continue for generations, a testament to the power of music to uplift and inspire.