Overture
London Symphony Orchestra Leonard Bernstein Lyrics
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Didn't come home.
His unborn child
Will never know him.
Believe him missing
With a number of men.
Don't expect
To see him again.
The opening lines of London Symphony Orchestra/Philippe Rombi's song, Overture, paints a sad picture of a family who has lost their father/husband due to war. Captain Walker is said to have never come home from the war, leaving behind an unborn child who will never get the opportunity to know him. The lyrics suggest that he is believed to be missing, along with a number of other individuals, making it unclear if there is any hope for his return. The overall theme of the lyrics is the devastating impact that war can have on families and loved ones.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was actually featured in the 2008 movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical, "Mamma Mia!" This version was performed by the Croatian Radiotelevision Symphony Orchestra.
Another interesting fact is that the London Symphony Orchestra, who performs the version of the song in question, has been around since 1904, and has recorded music for over 200 movies.
Furthermore, composer Philippe Rombi is from France, and has received a number of awards for his work in the film industry, including a Cesar Award for Best Original Score in 2013.
In terms of the chords, as this is an instrumental piece with no lyrics, it is difficult to provide a chord progression. However, the song follows a classical structure, with a clear melody and variations in instrumentation and tempo.
Overall, the lyrics to Overture are poignant and reflective, emphasizing the toll that war can have on families and loved ones left behind. The pairing of these lyrics with the stunning instrumental composition by the London Symphony Orchestra and Philippe Rombi results in a powerful and moving piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Captain Walker
The respected individual known as Captain Walker
Didn't come home.
Did not return to his place of residence.
His unborn child
The offspring that Captain Walker has yet to father
Will never know him.
Will never have the opportunity to develop a relationship with him
Believe him missing
Have reason to assume that he is absent and whereabouts unknown
With a number of men.
Along with other individuals in a similar situation
Don't expect
It is unlikely to occur
To see him again.
To have further interaction or contact with Captain Walker in the future.
Lyrics © ABKCO MUSIC INC PETE TOWNSHEND CATALOG , FABULOUS MUSIC LTD , SPIRIT MUSIC GROUP
Written by: PETER TOWNSHEND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Christian Seefeld
How amazing to see him live the music he composed while conducting it. So full of humor most of the time- even dancing and joking- but then again absolutely precise and serious on some points, where it is necessary. What an idol still after all the years!
sarah jones
Still dancing and prancing with a nasty case of influenza, the wonderful enigmatic Maestro Bernstein.
Mister Malleable’s Music Museum
This version of Candide was the first I ever heard. Bernstein conducting Jerry Hadley and Adolph Green is always fun to watch!
Dylonely
He did a great thing with Candide. An amazing overture, with so much catching melodies. One of the most joyful overtures !
Gert Henriksen
Great, thanks. Tragic though that Bernstein passed away not even a year after this, (October 1990, I believe)
Peder Halvorsen
😢😢
Maestro Classico
I remember it. Copland died 2 months later. Destroyed me.
Gert Henriksen
@Maestro Classico Yes, Copland was 90. My favorite composer.
Maestro Classico
@Gert Henriksen And then the damn Persian Gulf war started a week later and I was required to drop out of College....not a good time in my life.
Gert Henriksen
@Maestro Classico No I can imagine.