There are songs that touch your soul, melodies that linger in your mind long after they've stopped playing, and voices that seem to come from another realm. "May It Be" by Enya is, without a doubt, one of my most treasured songs of all time, largely thanks to my absolute favorite movie franchise—The Lord of the Rings—and, of course, Enya's ethereal voice that seems to flow like a gentle stream through Middle Earth itself.
May It Be by Enya: A Timeless Melody That Inspires Hope and Renewal
The first piano notes of this song are enough to transport me to a place of serenity, away from the chaos of everyday life. As someone who battles with anxiety occasionally, I've found "May It Be" to be a reliable sanctuary. It's my go-to track when I need to calm my racing thoughts or find a moment of peace in a hectic day. And each time those haunting vocals begin, I'm instantly whisked away to the magical world of hobbits, elves, and epic quests—a world where courage prevails and hope endures.
The Musical Magic Behind "May It Be"
A Song Crafted for Middle Earth
When Peter Jackson's "The Fellowship of the Ring" was released in 2001, audiences, like me, were mesmerized not only by the stunning visuals and faithful adaptation but also by the captivating soundtrack. Howard Shore's brilliant orchestral compositions laid the foundation, but it was Enya's "May It Be" that provided a perfect emotional punctuation to the film.
The song was specifically composed for the movie by Enya in collaboration with Roma Ryan, who wrote the lyrics, and Nicky Ryan, who produced the track. This wasn't just any soundtrack addition; it was carefully crafted to embody the essence of J.R.R. Tolkien's world.
The Sonic Landscape
From a musical perspective, "May It Be" demonstrates remarkable restraint and elegance. The arrangement begins with a simple piano melody, gradually building with subtle orchestration that never overwhelms Enya's delicate vocals. This minimalist approach creates an atmosphere of intimacy and introspection that perfectly reflects the film's themes of personal journey and inner strength.
The song's structure follows a traditional verse-chorus pattern, but what makes it extraordinary is how it weaves in Elvish phrases from Tolkien's constructed language. "Mornië utúlië" (darkness has come) and "Mornië alantië" (darkness has fallen) aren't just exotic-sounding additions—they anchor the song firmly in Middle Earth lore while adding an authentic mystical quality.
I have noted how the song employs a modal scale that gives it a distinctly Celtic flavor, connecting to both Enya's Irish heritage and the European medieval influences in Tolkien's work. The result is a timeless quality that feels both ancient and contemporary.
The Poetry of Hope in Dark Times
Lyrical Depth That Resonates
Beyond its musical composition, "May It Be" carries profound meaning through its thoughtfully crafted lyrics. The song essentially functions as a prayer or blessing for someone embarking on a difficult journey:
"May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true"
These opening lines establish the song as a wish for guidance and steadfastness. The evening star imagery connects to Eärendil in Tolkien's mythology—a symbol of hope that even in darkness, light persists.
A Universal Message Within a Fantasy Context
What makes "May It Be" transcend its fantasy film origins is how the lyrics speak to universal human experiences. Consider these lines:
"When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun"
This imagery of enduring darkness to eventually find light mirrors countless human struggles. Whether facing depression, illness, career setbacks, or relationship difficulties, we all know what it means to wait for the dawn after a long night.
Howard Shore, the primary composer for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, noted in an interview with Film Score Monthly that Enya's contribution was chosen specifically because "her voice carries a timeless quality that bridges cultures and ages".
The Perfect Musical Epilogue for "The Fellowship of the Ring"
Narrative Integration
"May It Be" doesn't simply play over the credits as an afterthought. It serves as the musical epilogue to "The Fellowship of the Ring," appearing as Frodo and Sam gaze out at the long road ahead of them. This placement is significant because it occurs precisely when the weight of the journey is becoming clear.
Film critic Roger Ebert wrote in his review, "The music doesn't just complement the visuals; it extends the emotional resonance of the scene". This is exactly right—the song articulates what remains unspoken between the characters: the fear, the determination, and the fragile hope.
Critical and Popular Acclaim
The song earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and a Golden Globe nomination, cementing its place among the greatest film songs of the early 2000s. Beyond awards recognition, it achieved what few soundtrack pieces do—becoming a standalone success that people sought out independently of the film.
According to Billboard data, "May It Be" entered the charts in multiple countries and helped introduce a new generation to Enya's distinctive musical style. The song has amassed over 100 million streams across platforms, demonstrating its enduring appeal two decades after its release.
Why "May It Be" Speaks to Me This May
A Month of New Beginnings
I chose to write about this particular song now because, well, it's May! There's something poetic about reflecting on "May It Be" during its namesake month. But beyond this playful connection, May represents a pivotal time for me this year.
After a "winter of hibernation" and a "spring of planning", I've decided that May will be the month I restart my fitness journey and recommit to my health goals. Just as Frodo needed courage to take his first steps beyond the Shire, I'm gathering my determination to transform my daily habits.
Finding Motivation in Melody
When I hear the lines "A promise lives within you now," I'm reminded that the potential for change exists within me—I just need to believe in it and act upon it. The gentle encouragement in Enya's voice somehow makes my fitness goals feel less daunting and more like a natural journey I'm meant to take.
Enya: The Voice Behind the Magic
An Enigmatic Artist
Part of what makes "May It Be" so special is the woman who performed it. Enya (born Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin) is something of an anomaly in the music industry. Unlike most pop stars, she rarely tours or gives interviews, letting her music speak for itself.
Her career spans over four decades, with global sales exceeding 80 million records. Her signature layered vocal technique—often featuring 30 or more tracks of her own voice harmonizing with itself—creates that otherworldly, chorus-like effect that makes songs like "May It Be" sound like they're being sung by celestial beings rather than a single person.
The Perfect Voice for Middle Earth
When asked why Enya was chosen for the soundtrack, director Peter Jackson explained, "We needed a voice that could feel like it had existed in Middle Earth for thousands of years".
This ageless quality is precisely what makes her contribution so perfect. Her voice doesn't sound specifically tied to any current musical trend—it could belong to an elf princess singing in Lothlorien or a modern artist interpreting ancient melodies.
Applying the Song's Wisdom to Personal Growth
"May It Be" as a Personal Mantra
The phrase "May it be" itself works beautifully as a gentle affirmation rather than a forceful command. Instead of saying "I must get fit" or "I have to eat better," there's power in the softer approach: "May it be that I find strength for my workout today" or "May it be that I make choices that honor my health."
This phrasing acknowledges that while we set intentions, we also recognize that journeys have their own flow, with obstacles and unexpected turns. Just as Frodo couldn't predict all the challenges on his path to Mount Doom, I can't foresee every barrier to my fitness goals. But I can approach each day with hope and determination.
The Fellowship Principle
Another lesson from both the song and the film is that important journeys shouldn't be taken alone. The lyrics don't say "You must do this by yourself"—instead, they offer support and guidance. Similarly, I'm building my own "fellowship" of friends, family, and professionals who can support my health journey.
Final Thoughts: Let the Light Guide You
As we move through May and I embark on this renewal of my health commitments, I find myself returning to the chorus of this beloved song:
"May it be the shadow's call
Will fly away
May it be you journey on
To light the day"
These words remind me that challenges are temporary, that persistence matters, and that each step forward—no matter how small—brings me closer to becoming the healthiest version of myself.
Whether you're a Lord of the Rings "fellowship", an Enya fan, or simply someone looking for inspiration to make positive changes in your life, I hope "May It Be" can provide you with the same sense of calm determination it gives me.
And if you haven't heard it in a while, perhaps today is the perfect day to let Enya's voice transport you to Middle Earth—or to whatever magical place represents your own personal journey of growth and transformation.
What song inspires your personal journey? I'd love to hear about the melodies that move you toward your goals in the comments below!
COMMENTS