Bilbo’s Last Song - music by Donald Swann, from "The Road Goes Ever On"

“Bilbo’s Last Song“ is a poem by that doesn’t appear in his “Lord of the Rings,“ but if it had, it would have appeared in the final pages of the book, at the Grey Havens. Donald Swann was the first composer to set Tolkien’s poems and songs to music with the professor’s express approval, as documented in the 1967 book and record “The Road Goes Ever On.“ Shortly after Tolkien’s death, his publishing secretary shared this poem, given to her as a parting gift by Tolkien, with Swann, and he set it to music that very day. Many composers have gone on to set “Bilbo’s Last Song“ to music, but Swann’s is still my favorite. Still, search YouTube and you’ll find many endearing versions composed and performed by Middle Earth fans.