The Bath Song

From Tolkien Gateway
This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name.
"The voice of Pippin was suddenly lifted up above the others in one of Bilbo's favourite bath-songs."
― "Three is Company", The Fellowship of the Ring

Bath-songs were a type of short song that Hobbits sung when bathing.[1]

History[edit | edit source]

Bilbo Baggins had taught Frodo Baggins the words to his favorite bath-song during one of their walks in the lanes of the Water-valley.[1]

This bath-song was sung by Peregrin Took in Crickhollow while he, Frodo, and Samwise Gamgee were bathing after their long journey from Hobbiton.[1]

Lyrics[edit | edit source]

"Bathing at Crickhollow" by Ted Nasmith

Sing hey! for the bath at close of day
that washes the weary mud away!
A loon is he that will not sing:
O! Water Hot is a noble thing!

O! Sweet is the sound of falling rain,
and the brook that leaps from hill to plain;
but better than rain or rippling streams
is Water Hot that smokes and steams.

O! Water cold we may pour at need
down a thirsty throat and be glad indeed;
but better is Beer if drink we lack,
and Water Hot poured down the back.

O! Water is fair that leaps on high
in a fountain white beneath the sky;
but never did fountain sound so sweet
as splashing Hot Water with my feet!

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition)

In the scene "At the Green Dragon", Merry, Pippin, and Frodo sing a song closely resembling Ho! Ho! Ho! To the Bottle I Go, with slightly altered lyrics that incorporate a small part of Sing Hey! For the Bath at Close of Day:

Hey Ho to the bottle I go
To heal my heart and drown my woe
Rain may fall and wind may blow but there'll still be
Many miles to go

Sweet is the sound of the pouring rain,
And the stream that falls from hill to plain.
Better than rain or rippling brook,
Is a mug of beer inside this Took.

See also[edit | edit source]

References