These curséd mines that once I praised,
'Twas here that all my hopes were raised,
Then felled by fire and blade and bow
In battles fought so long ago.

We tried to cross great Caradhras.
Its unleashed fury blocked the pass.
So came we all to Dwarrowdelf -
Man and halfing, dwarf and elf.

And here I'd hoped to find my kin,
Who came to mine great wealth within.
But all we found were ruin and bone,
And thus we knew we must press on.

And so we fled from Balin's Tomb
To cross the Bridge of Khazad-dum
And into greater danger fled.
The halls ahead gleamed fiery red.
Then from the depths arose a shadow -
A Balrog dread, an ancient foe.

Elf and men and hobbits all,
Followed me to flee this hall.
But when we reached the bridge's end,
We turned to find our wizard friend
Engaged in battle cruel and fierce.
Then through the bridge his staff did pierce.

Into the pit the Balrog fell
While letting out a mighty yell.
So Gandalf thought the battle o'er
And turned to join us at the door.

But as he turned, with one last gasp
The Balrog had him in his grasp.
With whip curled 'round brave Gandalf's knee,
The Balrog claimed last victory.
Before he fell, our friend did cry
His final words, "Fly, fools, fly!"

Then he was gone and out we flew.
But as we ran our sorrow grew,
'Til out we came to Dimrill Dale
And here in grief began to wail.
But to our quest we must be true,
Though sorrow haunts us through and through.
Against all hope we will press on
'Til all is lost or good has won.