In 1999, Wildhorn became the first American composer in twenty-two years to have three shows running simultaneously on Broadway: 'Jekyll & Hyde' at the Plymouth Theatre, 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' at the Minskoff, and The Civil War' at the St. James Theatre. He has been nominated for several Tony Awards. He also has worked on several albums based on his various musicals.
Website: www.frankwildhorn.com/
Alive
Frank Wildhorn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What is this feeling
Of power and drive
I've never known?
I feel alive!
Where does this feeling
Of power derive,
Why I'm alive?
Like the night, it's a secret,
Sinister dark and unknown.
I do not know what I seek,
Yet I'll seek it alone!
I have a thirst
That I cannot deprive.
Never have I felt so alive!
There is no battle
I couldn't survive -
Feeling like this -
Feeling alive!
Like the moon, an enigma,
Lost and alone in the night
Damned by some heavenly stigma,
But blazing with light!
It's the feeling of being alive!
Filled with evil, but truly alive!
It's the truth that cannot be denied!
It's the feeling of being
Edward Hyde!
In Frank Wildhorn's musical, Jekyll & Hyde, "Alive" is a song that Hyde sings after he has transformed himself from Dr. Jekyll into a dark and seemingly evil alter-ego. The lyrics are rich with images of power, drive and feeling alive, which are all things that Jekyll feels he has been missing from his life. The song encapsulates the feeling of what it's like to be reckless, to be free and to be alive.
In the opening lines of the song, Hyde expresses a newfound sense of power and drive that he has never experienced before. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is a celebration of personal freedom and the pursuit of ultimate power. Hyde revels in this feeling and basks in the glory of being alive.
He goes on to describe this feeling as being a secret, sinister and unknown - very much like the night. He acknowledges that he doesn't quite know what he's seeking, but he's prepared to seek it out alone. It's this sense of mystery and danger that excites him and makes him feel truly alive.
Hyde goes on to describe the feeling as being like a thirst that he cannot deprive, likening it to a powerful addiction that he cannot shake. He feels invincible and unbreakable, like there is no battle he couldn't survive. It's the feeling of being free from societal constraints and living life on his own terms.
In summary, the song is all about embracing the darker side of oneself and allowing that inner power and drive to take over. It's about feeling truly alive and embracing all the risks and rewards that come with living life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
What is this feeling
Hyde questions the sudden rush of energy he is experiencing.
Of power and drive
Hyde describes the intensity of the feeling.
I've never known?
Hyde admits that he has never felt like this before.
I feel alive!
Hyde concludes that this feeling makes him feel truly alive.
Where does this feeling
Hyde wonders where this powerful feeling is coming from.
Of power derive,
Hyde ponders the source of the newfound strength.
Making me know
Hyde realizes that this feeling will give him a purpose.
Why I'm alive?
Hyde questions the reason for his existence and his newfound feeling.
Like the night, it's a secret,
Hyde likens this feeling to a mystery of the darkness.
Sinister dark and unknown.
This feeling is haunting and mysterious to Hyde.
I do not know what I seek,
Despite feeling powerful, Hyde is unsure about what he wants.
Yet I'll seek it alone!
Hyde is determined to find what he is looking for on his own.
I have a thirst
Hyde is consumed by a strong desire.
That I cannot deprive.
The thirst must be quenched, no matter what.
Never have I felt so alive!
Hyde realizes that this feeling is unlike anything he has experienced before.
There is no battle
Hyde feels like he is invincible.
I couldn't survive -
Hyde is confident that he can overcome any obstacle.
Feeling like this -
The feeling of power and strength is overwhelming.
Feeling alive!
Hyde is reveling in this newfound energy.
Like the moon, an enigma,
Hyde sees himself as a puzzle that is difficult to solve.
Lost and alone in the night
Hyde feels isolated and misunderstood.
Damned by some heavenly stigma,
Hyde feels like he is being punished by the divine forces.
But blazing with light!
Despite the darkness, Hyde is illuminated by this strong feeling.
It's the feeling of being alive!
Hyde realizes that this feeling is the essence of being truly alive.
Filled with evil, but truly alive!
Hyde acknowledges that this feeling comes with a darker side.
It's the truth that cannot be denied!
Despite the implications, Hyde is convinced that this feeling is real and undeniable.
It's the feeling of being
The feeling consumes and defines every aspect of Hyde's being.
Edward Hyde!
The feeling gives Hyde a sense of identity.
Contributed by Lily O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.