Finley's most well-remembered performance was in De Palma's Phantom of the Paradise (1974), in which he portrayed the main character, long-suffering songwriter Winslow Leach, who eventually becomes the titular Phantom. For the film's soundtrack, Finley performed the song "Faust". It is one of two renditions of the song featured on the soundtrack album, the other performed by its writer Paul Williams, Finley's co-star.
William Finley died from an inflamed colon in 2012, his last acting appearance being in Brian De Palma's The Black Dahlia, which was released in 2006.
Faust
Bill Finley Lyrics
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Out of place as a cryin' clown who could only frown and the play went on for hours
And as I lived my role I swore I'd sell my soul for one love
Who would stand by me and give me back the gift of laughter
One love who would stand by me and after making love we'd...
Dream a bit of style
Dream each others smile
And dream it never ends
I was not myself last night in the morning light I could see the change was showing
Like a child who was always poor reaching out for more I could feel the hunger growing
And as I lost control I swore I'd sell my soul for one love
Who would sing my song and fill this emptiness inside me
One love who would sing my song and lay beside me while we'd...
Dream a bit of style
We'd dream a bunch of friends
Dream each others smile
And dream it never ends
All my dreams are lost and I can't sleep
And sleep alone could ease my mind
All my tears have dried and I can't weep
Old emotions may they rest in peace and dream, dream a bunch of friends
Rest in peace, and dream, dream it never ends
The lyrics to Bill Finley's song "Faust" speak of a person who feels lost and disconnected from themselves and others. The first verse portrays the singer apologizing and trying to make amends, but failing to do so. The reference to the "crying clown" suggests a sense of sadness or melancholy that the singer cannot hide despite his efforts to put on a happy face. The phrase "the play went on for hours" echoes the idea that life can feel like a never-ending performance with no real resolution.
The second verse describes the singer's growing sense of desperation and hunger for something more. The line "like a child who was always poor reaching out for more" suggests a feeling of lack or inadequacy in the singer's life. The phrase "as I lost control, I swore I'd sell my soul for one love" indicates that the singer is willing to do anything to find love and companionship. The final lines of the song bring the themes of dreams and peace together, suggesting that the singer is seeking a sense of fulfillment and rest.
Overall, "Faust" is a poignant and insightful meditation on the human condition and the search for meaning and connection. The lyrics are powerful and evocative, capturing the sense of longing and despair that many people feel at different points in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I was not myself last night couldn't set things right with apologies or flowers
I was not able to make amends or fix my problems with apologies or gifts.
Out of place as a cryin' clown who could only frown and the play went on for hours
I felt misplaced and out of character, like a sad performer unable to entertain.
And as I lived my role I swore I'd sell my soul for one love
I became so invested in my performance that I would do anything for the love of one person.
Who would stand by me and give me back the gift of laughter
I wanted someone who could support me and bring light to my life.
I could see the change was showing
In the light of day, I realized that I had changed.
Like a child who was always poor reaching out for more I could feel the hunger growing
I felt like a child seeking more in life and the desire for more was becoming stronger.
And as I lost control I swore I'd sell my soul for one love
As I became more overwhelmed, I became willing to give up everything for love.
Who would sing my song and fill this emptiness inside me
I wanted someone to understand me and fill the emptiness in my life with their love.
All my dreams are lost and I can't sleep
I am feeling lost and unable to sleep.
And sleep alone could ease my mind
I believe that only sleep can help me find peace and rest.
All my tears have dried and I can't weep
I have cried so much that I am unable to shed any more tears.
Old emotions may they rest in peace and dream, dream a bunch of friends
May my old emotions finally lay to rest, and may I dream of having many loyal friends.
Rest in peace, and dream, dream it never ends
May I find peace and continue to dream without end.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PAUL H. WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind