Musical References for The Elf Thief

Gyoff, the main character in The Elf Thief, uses music to express himself, and sometimes musical themes help to express action in the story.

These are musical pieces suggested for The Elf Thief.

  1. Tipping on the Edge of the World
    New music for this story, a show tune. Lyrics copyright 2025 by Richard J. Wingerter.
         Tipping on the edge of the world.
     Slipping on the edge of the world.
     I’ll be rich!
     Tipping on the edge of the world.
     Whipping, whipping round!
     Zipping and zapping and flipping
     and flopping!
     Gripping on the edge of the world.
     (softly) Fingernails. Fingernails.
     (out loud) Tottering... what if I
     fall off?
     (softly) Toenails. Toenails.
     (slower)
     Just a tiny bit of gold.
     Stashed away in my hold.
     (brighter)
     That’s all I need for a start!
     (back into it)
     Tipping on the edge of the world.
     Slurping up the edge of --
     (interrupting himself)
     What?
     (back now)
     Gripping the edge of the world.
     Nobody here. Somebody there.
     That’s me! That’s me!
     (sells it)
     I’ll be rich! Power
     I’ll be rich! Home life
     I’ll be rich! Love
     (deep breath)
     That’s what I want from life.
  2. Reach for the Stars
    New music for this story, a love song.

    This is a duet for Gyoff and Arabelle that expresses their desire to each be somebody, but to have a partner in their quest. Quiet, poignant, sweet, and thoughtful.

  3. Children’s Rune Song
    New music for this story, children's song to help memorize the runic alphabet. Lyrics copyright 2025 by Richard J. Wingerter.

    Translation for script

         Tap, tap, tap.
     With a tap I add the fehu.
     May the herds come.
     May they bring you wealth.
     Tap, tap, tap.
     With a tap I add the ūruz.. 
     May the aurochs visit your dreams. 
     May you stack the hides. 
     Tap, tap, tap....

    Original

         Tap, tap, tap.
     Með krönum bætir ég bæta fehu.
     Má hjörðin koma.
     Megi þeir færa þér fé.
     Tap, tap, tap.
     Með krönum bætir ég við villtra nautinn.
     Maí aurochs heimsækja drauma þína.
     Megi þú hella upp húðirnar.
     Tap, tap, tap. ...
  4. Telstar/Liftoff!
    Instrumental by the Tornados from 1962. Released by Decca and London. Rights likely owned by Cherry Red Records as part of the Tea Chest Tapes.
    New lyrics, copyright 2025 by Richard J. Wingerter.
         Flying high, I see you in the sky.
     You dance across my dreams,
     Morning star.
     Fly! Fly! Fly!
     Go! Go! Go!
  5. Star Song
    New music for this story, a children's song.

    This is a solo song that Gyoff sings to four-year-old Elskan about the stars shining bright at night.

  6. Brighter Tomorrow
    New music for this story, theatrical.

    This is a solo song Gyoff sings to Elskan about a young girl growing to adulthood. It expresses the hope that our future will be brighter than today. It invites her parents to see the beautiful young woman of the future.

  7. Can I Be a Doll?
    New music for this story,

    This is a solo song Arabelle sings to herself as she sews up and assembles a doll for Gyoff to give to Elskan. It asks if she will find the elf of her dreams. It is akin to "I Can't Do the Sum" from Babes in Toyland.

  8. Christmas Is Coming
    New lyrics for Chopsticks (1877, Euphemia Allen).

    This is a bright, happy song about children humming and opening presents.

Contact Rich at WrittenByRich@sonic.com.
Go to full writer website at WrittenByRich.com