The Meaning Behind The Song: Aníron (I Desire) by Enya
Enya is a world-renowned Irish singer, songwriter, and musician, who has won numerous awards for her unique style of music. One of her most famous songs is “Aníron (I Desire),” which was released in 2001 as part of the soundtrack for the movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.” This hauntingly beautiful song has captured the hearts and minds of millions of fans all over the world. In this article, we explore the meaning behind the song “Aníron (I Desire)” by Enya.
The Lyrics of Aníron (I Desire)
The lyrics of “Aníron (I Desire)” are in the fictional Elvish language created by J.R.R. Tolkien in his books. The song’s melody and lyrics were written by Enya, Roma Ryan, and Nicky Ryan, who are known for their collaborations on many of Enya’s songs. The lyrics of “Aníron (I Desire)” are a love song, expressing the longing and desire of two lovers who are separated by distance and circumstance.
The song’s opening lines are “O môr henion i dhû: Ely siriar, êl síla. Ai!” which translates to “From darkness I understand the night. Dreams flow, a star shines. Ah!” The song then goes on to describe the yearning and desire of the two lovers, who are “trapped in the shadow of the night” and “crying out in the darkness.” The lyrics are romantic and poetic, capturing the essence of the couple’s intense emotions.
The Inspiration for Aníron (I Desire)
The inspiration for “Aníron (I Desire)” comes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, particularly the epic tale of love and adventure in “The Lord of the Rings.” Enya and her collaborators were tasked with creating a song that embodied the emotions and themes of the movie, which tells the story of a fellowship of heroes on a quest to save their world from darkness and evil.
Enya has said in interviews that she was particularly drawn to the character of Arwen, a beautiful elf princess who falls in love with the mortal hero Aragorn. The song “Aníron (I Desire)” was meant to capture the passion and longing between the two lovers, who are torn apart by their different worlds and the dangers that threaten their love.
The Music and Arrangement of Aníron (I Desire)
The music and arrangement of “Aníron (I Desire)” are typical of Enya’s style, which is characterized by haunting harmonies, ethereal vocals, and layers of instrumentation. The song’s melody is simple and repetitive, with a flowing rhythm that captures the feeling of a river running through a forest.
The arrangement of the song is understated, with Enya’s voice and the simple melody taking center stage. The use of backing vocals and percussion adds depth and texture to the song, creating an immersive and emotional listening experience.
FAQs about Aníron (I Desire)
1. Was Aníron (I Desire) written specifically for the movie The Lord of the Rings?
Yes, “Aníron (I Desire)” was written specifically for the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Enya was approached by the filmmakers to create a song that captured the emotions and themes of the movie, and she collaborated with Roma Ryan and Nicky Ryan to create the melody and lyrics.
2. What is the meaning behind the Elvish lyrics in Aníron (I Desire)?
The Elvish lyrics in “Aníron (I Desire)” are a love song between two fictional characters in J.R.R. Tolkien’s world. The lyrics express the longing and desire of two lovers who are separated by distance and circumstance, and who yearn to be reunited.
3. Why is Aníron (I Desire) so popular among fans of The Lord of the Rings?
Fans of The Lord of the Rings are drawn to “Aníron (I Desire)” because it captures the essence of the story’s epic romance and adventure. The song’s beautiful melody and haunting lyrics resonate with the emotions of the characters and the themes of the story.
4. What instruments are used in the arrangement of Aníron (I Desire)?
The arrangement of “Aníron (I Desire)” uses a variety of instruments, including keyboards, percussion, and backing vocals. The percussion is particularly distinctive, with the use of bodhrán, an Irish drum, adding a Celtic flavor to the song.
5. Has Enya performed Aníron (I Desire) live?
Enya has not performed “Aníron (I Desire)” live, as it was written specifically for The Lord of the Rings soundtrack. However, she has performed many of her other songs live during her tours and concerts.
6. Is Aníron (I Desire) available on any of Enya’s albums?
“Aníron (I Desire)” is not included on any of Enya’s albums, as it was written specifically for The Lord of the Rings soundtrack. However, Enya’s other songs are available on her albums, which include “Watermark,” “The Memory of Trees,” and “A Day Without Rain.”
7. Was Aníron (I Desire) nominated for any awards?
“Aníron (I Desire)” was not nominated for any awards, as it was not released as a single. However, the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
8. Who are the composers of Aníron (I Desire)?
The composers of “Aníron (I Desire)” are Enya, Roma Ryan, and Nicky Ryan. They have collaborated on many of Enya’s songs, including “Orinoco Flow,” “Caribbean Blue,” and “Only Time.”
9. How long is the song Aníron (I Desire)?
“Aníron (I Desire)” is approximately 2 minutes and 44 seconds long. It is a short but powerful song, with a simple melody and lyrics that capture the essence of the film’s romantic themes.
10. Who sings the vocals in Aníron (I Desire)?
Enya sings the vocals in “Aníron (I Desire).” Her unique voice and style of singing are distinctive and instantly recognizable, and have earned her numerous accolades and fans over the years.
11. Is Aníron (I Desire) a popular song among Enya’s fans?
Yes, “Aníron (I Desire)” is a popular song among Enya’s fans, as well as fans of The Lord of the Rings. The song’s haunting melody, beautiful lyrics, and emotional depth have made it a favorite among many listeners.
12. What other songs by Enya are similar to Aníron (I Desire)?
Many of Enya’s songs have a similar style and melody to “Aníron (I Desire),” including “May It Be,” “Athair Ar Neamh,” and “Anywhere Is.” These songs are characterized by Enya’s unique vocal style and layered instrumentation, which create an immersive and emotional listening experience.
