Nimrodel / The Procession / The White Rider

Camel's song "Nimrodel / The Procession / The White Rider" is a rich tapestry of imagery and narrative, drawing heavily from J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy series, 'The Lord of the Rings.' The lyrics tell the story of Gandalf, a central character in Tolkien's work, who undergoes a profound transformation. Initially, Gandalf is known as Gandalf the Grey, a wise and powerful wizard. However, after a climactic battle with the Balrog, he falls into darkness, only to be resurrected as Gandalf the White, a more powerful and enlightened version of himself.

The song begins by describing the calming and reassuring presence of the White Rider. The lyrics, "When he rides, my fears subside / For darkness turns once more to light," capture the essence of Gandalf's return and the hope he brings. His white horse symbolizes purity and the triumph of good over evil. The imagery of flying through the skies to find a land beyond the night suggests a journey towards a better, more peaceful world.

The transformation of Gandalf is poignantly captured in the lines, "Once he wore grey, he fell and slipped away / From everybody's sight / The wizard of them all, came back from his fall / This time wearing white." This metamorphosis is not just a change in color but signifies a rebirth and an elevation in his role and power. The final verse, which speaks of his distant yet warm presence, encapsulates the duality of Gandalf's character—both otherworldly and deeply connected to those he protects. Camel's progressive rock style, known for its intricate compositions and storytelling, perfectly complements the epic nature of this tale.