Top Of The World
Ciara Renée Michael Arden & The Hunchback of Notre Dame Ensemble (Studio Cast Recording) Lyrics
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the top of the world
suddenly seeing a
different city
things look tiny
and friendly and fair
seen from the top of the world
when you look from high above
seeing life from
the top of the world
nothing needs fighting
and no one needs pity
thanks for giving this moment to me
when just for a moment
things stop
here at the top of the world
for all these years
you've stayed alone
and free from danger
we've shared your fears
it wasn't safe
to trust a stranger
but maybe we were wrong here
could she belong here?
this girl appears
and she is kind
and we're admitting
we'd give three cheers
to see you both
forever sitting
look at you sitting
on top of the world
seeing life from
the top of the world
nothing need fighting
and no one needs pity
thanks for giving this moment to me
when just for a moment
things stop
here at the top of the world
this girl appears
and she is kind
and we're admitting
we'd give three cheers
to see you both
forever sitting
look at you sitting
on top of the world
quasimodo, say something
take our advise
be brave and say something
please don't think twice
quasimodo say some—
quasimodo: esmeralda…
esmeralda: yes?
quasimodo: i…i…it's nice, the two of us sitting
the two of us sitting…
the two of you sitting…
sitting on top of the world
The song 'Top of the World' by the cast of the stage musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a bittersweet moment in the show, where Quasimodo, the hunchback protagonist, finally feels accepted and loved by the people he has grown up around, the gargoyles. Looking down at Paris from the cathedral, they are all in awe of the beauty and positivity they can see from a height. The lyrics to the song convey the idea that from high above, everything seems less complicated and less harsh, showing a different perspective on life. The gargoyles admit their past mistakes and share their relief that a kind-hearted person like Esmeralda has entered their lives and brought happiness to Quasimodo, who deserves it more than anyone.
The song is carefully crafted to achieve a contrasting effect, where the joyful and uplifting music is met with sad and nostalgic lyrics of Quasimodo's isolation and inability to truly fit in with the society he lives in. The gargoyles acknowledging their past ignorance towards him and the possibility of Quasimodo finding acceptance and joy with Esmeralda is a touching moment in the story.
Line by Line Meaning
gazing down from
Observing the view from a high position
the top of the world
A high point where everything below looks small
suddenly seeing a
Experiencing a sudden realization
different city
A new perspective on the world
things look tiny
Objects appear small from a high point of view
and friendly and fair
The world seems welcoming and just
seen from the top of the world
A unique and special viewpoint
when you look from high above
An aerial perspective
everything seems pretty
The view is aesthetically pleasing
seeing life from
An alternate perspective on existence
the top of the world
A high point of observation
nothing needs fighting
No struggle or conflict is necessary
and no one needs pity
Compassion and charity are not necessary
thanks for giving this moment to me
Expressing gratitude for the experience
when just for a moment
A brief yet significant instance
things stop
A pause in time
here at the top of the world
At an elevated location with a distinct view
for all these years
A long period of time has passed
you've stayed alone
Having been by oneself for some time
and free from danger
Not exposed to potential threats or harm
we've shared your fears
Others have been aware of one's apprehensions
it wasn't safe
The environment posed a risk to safety
to trust a stranger
Being cautious of unfamiliar individuals
but maybe we were wrong here
Perhaps we misjudged the situation
could she belong here?
Is it possible that she fits in here?
this girl appears
A new person has arrived
and she is kind
She displays empathy and generosity
and we're admitting
Acknowledging a change of opinion
we'd give three cheers
Expressing enthusiastic support
to see you both
Observing a positive interaction between two individuals
forever sitting
An idyllic scenario of indefinite duration
look at you sitting
A moment of appreciation for the observation
on top of the world
A high and enviable position
quasimodo, say something
Encouraging a timid individual to speak
take our advise
A suggestion for an appropriate course of action
be brave and say something
Using courage to communicate
please don't think twice
Encouraging a direct and spontaneous response
quasimodo say some—
Urging a person to continue speaking
quasimodo: esmeralda…
Addressing a person by name
esmeralda: yes?
Responding to a call
quasimodo: i…i…it's nice, the two of us sitting
Expressing a positive sentiment
the two of us sitting…
A moment of shared restfulness and contentment
the two of you sitting…
Observing a positive interaction between two individuals
sitting on top of the world
A privileged and awe-inspiring position
Contributed by Austin K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.