Original Song Versions

[The Phantom]

If you listened to the new DVD's special features you would have seen that many of our favorite songs are different than they were. They had different lyrics but the same melodies in the backgrounds. A different writer had composed those but he was a comodey writer, so most were dry humor. Webber changed over to a more romantic writer and got the famous lyrics we've got now. :D

I can't remember their names off the top of my head.

[cinty]

On my dvd, I have Steve Harley and Sarah Brightman singing "The PHantom of the Opera" with different words. Apparently, those were the words that were planned for the stage show, but ALW changed his mind only a few weeks before the first performance, and Charles Hart had to change them in a hurry! I am very glad they changed the words. I don't mind the first verse, but the second verse and all the rest of it, basically, is terrible.
Is that what you were referring to?

[IamErik771]

Yeah, and MOTN and AIAOY had different lyrics as well. BTW, the lyricists' names were Richard Stilgoe (known for humorous lyrics) and Charles Hart (the younger guy). I immensely prefer the newer lyrics, but thought the original Sydmonton version of AIAOY sounded interesting. It seemed a bit closer to what that scene was like in the book.

[sing_for_me]

I love the Sydmonton version. I love to lay back and let the badness flow over me...

XD

You'll give your love to me, for love is blind
The Phantom of the Opera is now, your mastermind

Or perhaps the God-awful AIAOY lyrics, which unfortunately I can't remember at this exact moment.

*ponders*

All I ask is when the music's ended
Something something something...

Something something...

Tonight I could achieve it
And you suggest I leave it

Something something something...


Ah, well.

[cinty]

Goodnes.. I didn't watch the full version of AIAOY, so I don't konw those different words. I LOVE those different words of Music of the Night though. I think they are even better than the movie words.

[IamErik771]

I have no idea what Mike Batt's involvement is. Maybe since he writes mostly rock/pop songs, they consulted him for this one in particular, since it is meant to be a rock song.

I thought the old lyrics for "Think Of Me" (used to be called "What Has Time Done To Me?") are absolutely awful. Here's what I could decipher from verse 1:

Seems so long, since I last saw him. Maybe he'd look strange?
The face I knew could be so different, people sometimes change.
All I see is how we used to be, and past and present now agree
But if time has altered him, what has time done to me?

GAH.

[The_Persian]

The original version of MOTN is beautiful.. i like it alot better then the version on the 2004 movie or original cast recording.

"Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation.
Darkness wakes, and stirs imagination.
Silently the senses abandon their defenses, helpless to resist the notes i write...
for I compose the music of the night.

Slowly, gently, night unfurls its splendor.
Grasp it, sense it, tremulous and tender.
Hearing is believing, music is decieving,
hard as lightning, soft as candlelight...
Dare you trust the music of the night?

Close your eyes, for your eyes will only tell the truth,
and the truth isn't what you want to see,
In the dark it is easy to pretend
that the truth is what it ought to be.

Softly, deftly, music shall caress you.
Hear it, feel it, secretly posess you.
open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind,
in this darkness that you know you cannot fight...
The darkness of the music of the night.

Close your eyes, start a journey through a strange new world,
Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before.
Close your eyes and let music set you free...
Only then can you belong to me.

Floating, falling sweet intoxication.
Touch me, trust me, savour each sensation.
Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in
to the power of the music that i write...
The Power of the music of the night."

You alone can make my song take flight...
help me make the music of the night."

Do you like it? I found it on Andrew Lloyde Webber's Primier Collection. Micheal Crawford sings it and does a WONDERFUL job.

[IamErik771]

Aye. It's also on the Original London Cast Highlights album. I think... it's interesting. I can't say whether or not I prefer it to the current version.

At least they didn't use the Sydmonton Festival version lyrics... Part of it sounded like:
"Measure after measure,
An instrument of pleasure,
A treasure house of passion and delight...
Come join me in the music of the night..." :D

[The_Persian]

ick. im very glad they decided not to use those lyrics. ick!!

[IamErik771]

Yes, I know what you mean. Also, the second verse of Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again has 2 different sets of lyrics that can be used in performances.

OLC and Film Version:
"Passing bells and sculpted angels,
Cold and monumental,
Seem for you the wrong companions;
You were warm and gentle..."

Alternate Lyrics:
"Three long years, I knelt in silence
Held your memory near me...
Three long years of murmered sorrow,
Willing you to hear me..."

[Reza Khan]

Originally posted by IamErik771
Alternate Lyrics:
"Three long years, I knelt in silence
Held your memory near me...
Three long years of murmered sorrow,
Willing you to hear me..."
Ah, yes, I have a CD with that version, as well as assorted other different lyrics. Some are better, some aren't. :) I'll work on posting those another time...

Elizabeth

[Vivian]

I must say I'm rather glad Andrew Lloyd Webber decided to change the lyrics, because I highly doubt the production would have been half as successfull with the alternate lyrics! heh! Although I agree with The Persian, the original Music of the Night was indeed more overpowering than the one we hear ever so often.

[blackmage1989]

Personally I think most of the lyrics for PotO featured here are all right...
Except for the one for "Music of the Night" mentioned by IamErik771. I think that's...er, pretty awful.

[AAW0487]

Well personally i'm glad that ALW changed the lyrics or got someone to write new one's. I don't think I would have cared for dried humor during POTO. It would have taken away the chemistry between the Phantom and Christine. Plus I like more romantic versions any how. GO ALW!!!:D

[angelgirl]

I've seen the video for the original versions of MOTN and the title song, and For some weird reason, I really like the title song. I like it so much that it's my first song I listen to on the Internet whenever I can get on it.
Has anybody seen the videos? Talk about weird!
A.G.

[Ingenuous Soprano]

Original as in Steve Harley or original as in Colm Wilkinson at the Sydmonton (sp?). I've seen both. The Steve Harley one is just freaky. The funky mask, the mullet wig on Raoul, the Cleopatra stuff... Yeah...

Ha! I'm such a Raoul-lover! After seeing the Steve Harley video I had to watch a stage-version of All I Ask of You. *rolls eyes at self*

[MlleMusique]

Um...well, I own an audio recording of the first act of Sydmonton, showcased in 1985, I think. Excluding MOTN, because it's already been posted, here are as much of the lyrics and dialogue as was aurally coherent (------ indicates an incoherent line/word).

Apologies for the L-O-N-G post.

Act One

WHAT HAS TIME DONE TO ME
KRISTIN:
Seems so long,
Since I last saw him.
Maybe he’d look strange...

M. ANDRE:
(spoken) Pretty voice...

KRISTIN:
The face I knew...

M. FIRMIN:
(spoken) The face of iron.

KRISTIN:
...could be so different,
People sometimes change.

CARLOTTA:
(spoken angrily) What did I say? Like toad!

KRISTIN:
All I see,
Is how he used to be.
Can past and present now agree?
And if time has altered him,
What has time done to me?

(Transformation to the Gala. Kristin is revealed in full costume)

All I see,
Is how he used to be.
Can past and present now agree?
And if time has altered him
What has time done to me?

When two loved ones
Go their separate ways,
Then time has changed the minutes,
Into days.

Seems so long,
Since I last saw him.
I remember how,
He used to sound,
Strong and yet gentle.
How does he sound now?

Will I know,
The voice from long ago,
Or has time taken him from me?
And if time has altered him,
What has time done to me?

(The audience break into huge applause with shouts of "Bravo!")

RAOUL:
Oh Kristin...
It can't be this angel!
(he joins in the applause) Bravo!
Then a child,
That demure way she smiled...

KRISTIN:
Or has the past forgotten me?
And if time has altered him,
Then what has time done...
Ah... (she explores her range)
To me?

ANGEL OF MUSIC
(Raoul is walking backstage)

RAOUL:
Excuse me, madame…

(The woman shrieks in surprise)

RAOUL:
Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to frighten you…Kristin Daae's dressing room; which way?

(The woman points)

RAOUL:
Thank you.

(Kristin, meanwhile, is in her dressing room. Suddenly she hears a voice; the Phantom)

PHANTOM:
What do they know,
These slaves of fashion?
Screaming, bowing
'Angel'.

Who do they think
Inspires your passion?
Shaped on those fine
Phrases…

KRISTIN:
-----------------
Nobody else must be told…
-------------------
------------------

Angel of music
When they're near me
----------------------
------------- bright and cheery
----------------------

PHANTOM:
I hide my face in the shadows
I ------------- here alone
Triumph is no consolation
When its not your own…

KRISTIN:
Angel of music
-----------------
---------------------
------------------------
---------------------

(Raoul suddenly bursts in. Kristin turns to him, surprised)

RAOUL:
Oh, I'm sorry. I heard voices.

KRISTIN:
Well there's no one here. I—I was rehearsing…

RAOUL:
You need never rehearse again. Tonight, Kristin, you sang like an angel!

KRISTIN:
You have the advantage of me, sir…

RAOUL:
Oh, I'm sorry. You don't remember me. How should you after all these years? I am, mademoiselle, the Vicomte de Chagny…

KRISTIN:
I'm very sorry, but—

RAOUL:
When you last saw me…I was twelve. And very, very wet…

KRISTIN:
Because you ran into the sea to fetch my scarf…Raoul!

RAOUL:
Kristin!

(They embrace)

KRISTIN:
The vicomte de Chagny?

RAOUL:
My…father died last year.

KRISTIN:
Mine too…

RAOUL:
He was the greatest musician I ever heard. He always said he had the angel of music on his shoulder…now we have a new angel of music to sing for us! Where did you learn to sing like that? You must tell me over dinner; even angels have reasons…

KRISTIN:
No. Things have changed, Raoul.

RAOUL:
But we have so much to talk about!

KRISTIN:
Not now. Maybe another time. Please go.

RAOUL:
I'm sorry…you must be tired.

KRISTIN:
But, thank you for coming to see me…

BOTH:
Angel of music
Strange sensation.
Tempting my heart,
Reeling.

Can this be mere
imagination?
What is this strange
Feeling?

PHANTOM:
I am your angel of music…come with me angel of music…

RAOUL:
Kristin…Kristin!

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
KRISTIN:
Beneath the Opera House, I know he's there,
He's with me on the stage - he's everywhere.
And when I start to sing, I always find,
The Phantom of the Opera is here inside my mind.

THE PHANTOM:
Sing once again with me, our strange duet,
My power over you, grows stronger yet!
I bid you love me, for love is blind!
The Phantom of the Opera is now, your mastermind.

Those who have seen my face, draw back in fear...

KRISTIN:
I am the mask you wear, it's you they hear.
Your spirit and my voice in one combined...

BOTH:
The Phantom of the Opera is there inside my/your mind.

KRISTIN:
Beware The Phantom of the Opera!

(scream/guitar)

THE PHANTOM:
Sing once again with me, our strange duet,
My power over you, grows stronger yet!
I bid you love me, for love is blind!
The Phantom of the Opera is now, your mastermind.

(The last note gets higher and higher whilst Christine sings under it)

KRISTIN:
He's there the Phantom of the Opera!
Beware the Phantom of the Opera!

(The Phantom cuts off the note and shouts)

THE PHANTOM:
(spoken) Sing! Sing!

(Kristin sings the final cadenza)

THE PHANTOM:
(spoken) Sing my Angel! Sing! Higher! Higher!

(Kristin continues the cadenza until the music moulds into Music of the Night)

DON NERO
CARLOTTA:
Serifimo, your disguise is perfect…

(knock)

Why, who can that be?

JOSE CANIUSSI:
Gentle wife, admit your loving husband…

My love, I'm sent to England on affairs of the state,
And must leave you with your new maid.
Though I'd happily take the maid with me…

CARLOTTA:
The old fool is leaving…

JOSE CANIUSSI:
I suspect my young bride is untrue to me…
I shall not leave, but shall hide behind the screen to observe her…

BOTH:
Singing

CARLOTTA:
Serifimo, away with this pretence…
No, do not speak, but kiss me in my husband's absence…

Poor fool,
He makes me laugh
Ah ha ha ha ha!

Ah ha ha ha
Ah ha ha ha

Time I tried to get a better, better half!
Time I tried to get a better, better half!

Younger men than he
Are the stuff for me!

(The Phantom's music is heard)

KRISTIN:
No…Raoul, look out!

CARLOTTA:
How dare you! Be quiet! Be quiet! Maestro…

MANAGERS:
---------------

CARLOTTA:
Thank you…

Serifimo, away with this pretence!
No, do not speak, but kiss me in my husband's absence.

(Abruptly, she croaks)

Poor fool,
He makes me laugh
Ah ha ha ha ha!
Ha croak croak croak
Ha croak croak croak

(She continues croaking)

RAOUL:
What is wrong? Carlotta, what is wrong?

PHANTOM:
She is singing to bring down the chandelier!

MANAGER:
Stop! Stop! Ladies and gentlemen, we apologise. The performance will continue in ten minutes time, when the role of the Countess will be sung by Kristin Daaé.

MANAGER:
Maestro, bring the ballet forward. The ballet! Now!

(Don Nero ballet begins; Meg dances. Pause, with applause, then the music begins again, this time gradually speeding up. Ends with the Phantom's music cutting in, and Meg screaming)

KRISTIN:
Oh! Raoul!

RAOUL:
Hurry, this way!

KRISTIN:
No! ------- never go in there! Hurry, to the roof!

THE ROOFTOP
KRISTIN:
Oh, stop Raoul, stop!

RAOUL:
Kristin! Who is he? And what is this hold he has over you?

KRISTIN:
Oh I cannot tell you; you will laugh!

RAOUL:
Where were you? Were you with him?

KRISTIN:
You did not ask questions when you ran into the sea to fetch my scarf!

RAOUL:
We were children, we did not need questions! Now, you are an angel, I am rich…rich enough to give you anything. Freedom from him! Come away with me…now!

KRISTIN:
Oh…not now…

RAOUL:
Then…soon?

KRISTIN:
I don't know…

ALL I ASK OF YOU
KRISTIN:
I want to, but…

RAOUL:
I could bring you flowers,
To mingle with your hair,
But what good would be flowers?
They only last for hours…
I could bring you diamonds,
But that would not be fair,
I don't wish you ------ then,
Before I ------------- them.

KRISTIN:
All I ask of you are three more moments
-----------------------------------------
All I ask of you is -------------------
What we --------------------
That's all I ask of you.

RAOUL:
Three words I can give you
Come away tonight,
Don't chance, waiting till later,
Each hour your danger's greater

KRISTIN:
You don't understand me,
My star is now in sight,
Tonight I could achieve it,
And you suggest I leave it?

RAOUL:
All I ask is when the music's ended,
When the last ovation dies away,
You recall the boy you once befriended
Now a man; a man in love with you
Kristin! That's all I ask of you…

KRISTIN:
All I ask of you are three more moments
--------------------------------------
All I ask of you are ----------------
Say "I love you…"

RAOUL:
I love you…

BOTH:
Love me, that's all I ask of you…

(Instrumental; they kiss. The music changes)

KRISTIN:
I must go!
I mustn't miss my cue,
Wait for me here!

RAOUL:
Kristin, I love you!

KRISTIN:
Order your fine horses,
Have them at the door,
------------------------

BOTH:
Together we'll be flying!

All I Ask of You Reprise
PHANTOM:
I gave you my music
Made your voice take wing
And now, how you've repaid me
Abandoned and betrayed me

He was bound to love you
When he heard you sing…

Kristin…I love you!

KRISTIN:
All I ask of you are three more moments
Just to have your love is all I ask…
----------------------

PHANTOM:
You will curse the day you did not do
All that the Phantom asked of you!

(Music crescendos)

End of Act 1


Act Two

KRISTIN:
Three long years
I knelt in silence
Held your memory near me
Three long years of murmuring sorrow
Willing you to hear me…

This is where the story finishes
This is where the memories end…

[The Countess]

Oh my, thank you for posting this! I actually think that these lyrics have a more Leroux vibe. They definitly suggest some interesting concepts that Hart's lyrics did not. the AIAOY lyrics are so sweet and heart-felt too.

The only thing I don't care for is the way they spell Christine's name.

[IamErik771]

Yeah, they had originally changed her name to "Kristin" (and pronounced it as such) in the musical. According to some European Phans I've chatted with, "Kristin" is a more authentically Swedish name than "Christine;" they posed the idea that after moving to France, the young Miss Daaé would have changed her name to "Christine" to fit into French society better.

I thought the performance was interesting, but had a bit too much of a comedic edge than POTO should have, especially when you're actually listening to it. And Raoul seems a bit more sympathetic and fleshed out in the first few scenes, but loses that with the "I can buy you anything!" sentiment in the rooftop scene. Needless to say, I prefer the current lyrics for almost all cases, especially in the title song and "Music of the Night." Still, it's interesting to look back and see what the show had been like before.

[Madame le Courayer]

I love the alternate lyrics to MOTN...the others not so much. I like the "seeing is believing, music is deceiving" line. It's very Phantom-esque to me anyway.
I find the "Three long years" line for WYWSHA an interesting take...in fact I sometimes find myself singing that line instead of the "Passing bells and scuplted angels" line. I don't know why...it just sound more real.
As for the alternates to AIAOY and POTO...just ugh! No thanks!

[MlleMusique]

Just for the record, I absolutely adore how Raoul is/was portrayed at Sydmonton. I think he really came across as a nervous, boyish guy who really adored and cared for Christine (or Kristin!) but was unsure how to pursue a relationship after so many years apart. After all, the last time he'd seen her, he was twelve years old!

As for the line on the rooftop, to me it simply says, "I love you and I really want to protect you from whatever is obviously making you really scared, but I'm still working out this whole boy-girl thing...so I'll offer you financial support when what I really want to give you is my love and affection..." and obviously his point gets across, because they end up kissing.

And just as a side note, whilst I love the lyric "passing bells and sculpted angels", and think it's perfect for the song and the scene, I've also loved "three long years", because for some reason I've always liked the idea of Christine's father dying when she was a teenager, rather than a young child, and maybe it reinforces the idea of her believing in an Angel of Music more strongly?

[darcimkire]

i find the original All I Ask of You lyrics performed in Sydmonton so comic and silly... have seen the documentary of POTO and how Richard Stilgoe talks about his lyrics... Richard is a good lyricist but i think Charles HArt did a great job in revising most of it especially Think of Me and All I Ask of You...

Raoul:
I could bring you flowers,
To mingle with your hair,
But what good would be flowers?
They only last for hours…

[haha.. talking about flowers when Christine's in a confused state]

[Bricabrac]

The lyrics to the original Sydmonton version that I've found more than one place are these:


Night time, sharpens, heightens each sensation,
Darkness, multiplies imagination.
Slowly all the senses, abandon their defences,
Helpless to resist the notes I write,
For I compose the music of the night.

Close your eyes, for your eyes will only tell the truth,
And the truth isn't what you want to see.
In the dark it is easy to pretend,
That the truth is what it ought to be.

Take your time, breath in, filling us completely.
First love, slaughter, adverse words of greeting.
As the night is nearing, the touch, the taste, and hearing,
Gradually replace redundent sight,
Preparing for the music of the night.

Close your eyes, let the touch of it, abuse the soul;
Let it's timbre crescendo in the flame.
Can you tell, is it pleasure? Is it pain?
From now on, you'll never be the same.

Go now, gently; my music, though you fear it,
Let me show you, only stay, and hear it.
Measure after measure, an instrument of pleasure!
A treasure-house, of passion and delight.
Come join me in the music of the night.

All alone, my soul can not be right,
Help me make the music of the night.
------------------------------------------------------------------


I think that the stanza I've emphasized is pretty bad, and the one after it isn't all that good ether. I can see why they changed them.

[The Countess]

I see what you all mean now. Some of the lyrics are very arkward for the music that aLW wrote. He obviously had a vision of the show and it was not represented well with these lyrics as much.

[darcimkire]

Found this in Youtube:

LYRICS (as close as can be deciphered):

THE PHANTOM
What do they know
These slaves of fashion
Screaming their vain praises
Who do they think inspired your passion
Shaped all those fine phrases?

CHRISTINE
Both you and I shared the cheering
*Nobody else must be told
True wonders, look at your magic
Does my voice please you?
Angel of music when they hear me
You are who they're hearing
Stay by me as they clap and cheer me
You are who they're cheering

THE PHANTOM
I hide my face in the shadows
Out in the night here alone
Triumph is no consolation
When it's not your own

CHRISTINE
Angel of music, can you ever
Coach me with my music?
Angel, you hide your face
However, tell me can't you...
Show it...

[darcimkire]

PHANTOM:
What do they know,
These slaves of fashion?
Screaming, bowing
'Angel'.

Who do they think
Inspires your passion?
Shaped on those fine
Phrases…

KRISTIN:
-----------------
Nobody else must be told…
-------------------
------------------

Angel of music
When they're near me
----------------------
------------- bright and cheery
----------------------

PHANTOM:
I hide my face in the shadows
I ------------- here alone
Triumph is no consolation
When its not your own…

KRISTIN:
Angel of music
-----------------
---------------------
------------------------
---------------------



Found this in Youtube:

LYRICS (as close as can be deciphered):

THE PHANTOM
What do they know
These slaves of fashion
Screaming their vain praises
Who do they think inspired your passion
Shaped all those fine phrases?

CHRISTINE
Both you and I shared the cheering
*Nobody else must be told
True wonders, look at your magic
Does my voice please you?
Angel of music when they hear me
You are who they're hearing
Stay by me as they clap and cheer me
You are who they're cheering

THE PHANTOM
I hide my face in the shadows
Out in the night here alone
Triumph is no consolation
When it's not your own

CHRISTINE
Angel of music, can you ever
Coach me with my music?
Angel, you hide your face
However, tell me can't you...
Show it...

[darcimkire]

found them on youtube

[darcimkire]

KRISTIN:
All I ask of you are three more moments
Just to have your love is all I ask…




The second line should be:
"Just three words of love are all I ask..."

[darcimkire]

i've just heard the song Phantom of the Opera-Sydmonton and I find it awful!...

Colm ruined the song especially when his voice gets higher in "The Phantom of the Opera is now your mastermind..."

It's awful...

[darcimkire]

anyone who knows where i can find "music of the night" sydmonton version?

[tiannangel]

Erm. I'm not really sure where to find MOTN, but just a small suggestion:
Next time, just edit your last post instead of double posting, it makes the mods annoyed...

[darcimkire]

Erm. I'm not really sure where to find MOTN, but just a small suggestion:
Next time, just edit your last post instead of double posting, it makes the mods annoyed...

ooopps... sorry... i'll make it right next time.. ;-)