I Want to Be Smith of Wootton Major

[bnewman]

Smith of Wootton Major, one of J.R.R. Tolkien's lesser-known works, is a strange and haunting novella about a man who journeys in Faery and seemingly suffers no ill effects just from being there (although he does get into trouble at points). Having journeyed in Faery myself — and not without serious consequences! — that story stands as an inspiration and aspiration. Tom Smith's original song suggested itself some time ago as a tune to fit this tale.

lyrics by Benjamin Newman

ttto: "I Want to Be Peter Lorre" by Tom Smith

listen to this song
 

/ Am G F E / / F G CG Am / Dm - E - /

 

(The twist in my existence is the Faeries that I meet

And I can't do much about them trying to sweep me off my feet

I admit at times I've been a Tom the Rhymer or Tam Lin

Who lost his way in the woods at night

And took years and wishes to get set right)

 

(You may say it's just a story, but I tell you it's no joke

And I mean no disrespect to any of the Other Folk

But I think I've found a text to show me where to travel next

It comes from a pen that should be familiar

But remains obscure, and a bit... peculiar...)

 

/ A - F# - / D E A - / F# - Bm - / E - A - /

 

When I grow up I want to be Smith of Wootton Major

I want to visit Faery and return

Not after a hundred years

Not with a donkey's ears

But hale and sound to delight the town

With the wondrous things that I've learned

 

/ A - F# - / D - G# - / Bm - AG# F# / D E - A /

 

Who wants to suffer seven years of silence?

Who wants to spin and knit a nettle shirt?

I'd consider it a fail to be a cautionary tale (...again)

I want to be Smith of Wootton Major and shine without getting hurt!

 

When I grow up I want to be Smith of Wootton Major

I want to walk at will through Faery lands

I won't steal a golden fleece

I'll make it back in one piece

To home and hearth where I'll prove my worth

Making clever things with my hands

 

I want to see extraordinary visions

And render them in music and in art

I know down in my soul I can be both weird and whole

I want to be Smith of Wootton Major and live my life from the heart!

 

When I grow up I want to be Smith of Wootton Major

I want to wear a Fay-star on my brow

So those who've been where I've been

Will recognize me as kin

Just foolishly take that piece of cake

And look where it's gotten me now

 

I want to know that Faery is my birthright

I want to know the mortal world is, too (I do!)

I have friends of whom I'm fond

Both here and in the Lands Beyond

I want to be Smith of Wootton Major

'Cause life would only be slightly stranger

If this wish were in any danger of coming true!