The Islander
Nightwish · Lokikirja [2010]
At the end of day
Gazes the horizon
With seawinds in his face
Tempest-tossed island
Seasons all the same
Anchorage unpainted
And a ship without a name
Sea without a shore for the banished one unheard
He lightens the beacon, light at the end of world
Showing the way lighting hope in their hearts
The ones on their travels homeward from afar
This is for long-forgotten
Light at the end of the world
Horizon crying
The tears he left behind long ago
The albatross is flying
Making him daydream
The time before he became
One of the world's unseen
Princess in the tower
Children in the fields
Life gave him it all:
An island of the universe
Now his love's a memory
A ghost in the fog
He sets the sails one last time
Saying farewell to the world
Anchor to the water
Seabed far below
Grass still in his feet
And a smile beneath his brow
This is for long-forgotten
Light at the end of the world
Horizon crying
The tears he left behind so long ago
The Islander
The Islander stands as a standout track from Nightwish's 2010 album, Lokikirja. Composed by Jukka Nevalainen, the piece showcases the band's signature symphonic metal style while highlighting the unique vocal textures of the era. The recording features a dynamic interplay between powerful orchestral arrangements and the band's heavy instrumentation, creating an immersive sonic landscape. As part of a concept album exploring themes of life and death, the song contributes to a cohesive narrative structure that defines the group's discography during this period. The track exemplifies Nightwish's ability to blend classical influences with modern metal, offering listeners a rich auditory experience that remains a significant song in their extensive catalogue of symphonic works.