Brightman has received over 180 Gold and Platinum sales awards in over 40 different countries around the world and is the only artist to hold #1 spots on the Billboard Classical and Dance charts simultaneously, her other achievements feature her ranking by the Recording Industry Association of America as the best-selling female classical artist of the twenty-first century and a Guinness World Record for the success of “Time to Say Goodbye,” the best-selling single in German recording history.
She has established herself as the world's biggest selling soprano of all time, She has sold 78 million albums worldwide, including 40 million copies of the soundtrack of The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical), 26 million albums, over two million DVDs and 10 million copies of the single " Time to Say Goodbye "as a soloist.
She made her debut as a dancer in troupes such as Hot Gossip and later released a string of disco singles. She was a musical theatre performer and partner of theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, with whom she originated roles including Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera.
After her divorce, Brightman became a crossover artist with former Enigma producer Frank Peterson. Her style, a blend of classical vocals and pop-inspired instrumentation and arrangement, earned her further success.
She is often cited as the woman who paved the way for other international success stories such as Il Divo, Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. She is said to be worth as much as £30m (about US$49m).
Folk Song Arrangements: The plough boy
Sarah Brightman Lyrics
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And next a merry plough boy, I whistled o'er the lea;
But now a saucy footman, I strut in worsted lace,
And soon I'll be a butler, and whey my jolly face.
When steward I'm promoted I'll snip the tradesmen's bill,
My master's coffers empty, my pockets for to fill.
When lolling in my charlot so great a man I'll be,
You'll forget the little plough boy who whistled o'er the lea.
You'll forget the little plough boy who whistled o'er the lea.
I'll buy votes at elections, and when I've made the pelf,
I'll stand poll for the parliament, and then vote in myself.
Whetever's good for me, sir, I never will oppose:
When all my ayes are sold off, why then I'll sell my noes.
I'll joke, harangue and paragraph, with speeches charm the ear,
And when I'm tired on my legs, then I'll sit down a peer.
In court or city honour so great a man I'll be,
So great a man, so great a man, so great a man I'll be,
You'll forget the little plough boy who whistled o'er the lea.
You'll forget the little plough boy who whistled o'er the lea.
The lyrics of Sarah Brightman's song "The Plough Boy" tell the story of a simple cowboy who gradually rises in social status, becoming a footman, then a butler, and finally a member of Parliament. As he climbs the social ladder, he becomes more self-assured, even arrogant, boasting of his ability to manipulate others for his own gain. In the end, he imagines himself as a great man, telling the listener that they will forget the little plough boy who whistled over the lea.
The song is a commentary on the corruptibility of power and the seductive allure of wealth and status. It exposes the way in which individuals can become blinded by their own self-importance and willing to sacrifice their integrity and values for personal gain. The plough boy's desire for status and influence highlights the ways in which society undervalues and dehumanizes those in lower social positions.
Overall, "The Plough Boy" is a poignant critique of social climbing and the dangers of greed and ambition. It serves as a reminder that the true measure of a person's worth is not their status or wealth, but their compassion, integrity, and willingness to help others.
Line by Line Meaning
A flaxen-headed cowboy, as simple as may be,
I used to be a simple cowboy with blonde hair.
And next a merry plough boy, I whistled o'er the lea;
Then I became a happy plough boy and whistled while I worked in the fields.
But now a saucy footman, I strut in worsted lace,
But now I am an arrogant footman, dressed in fancy lace clothes.
And soon I'll be a butler, and whey my jolly face.
And soon I'll become a butler, and everyone will be happy to see me.
When steward I'm promoted I'll snip the tradesmen's bill,
When I become a steward, I'll cut the cost of the tradesmen's bills to benefit myself.
My master's coffers empty, my pockets for to fill.
I'll empty my master's money to fill my own pockets.
When lolling in my charlot so great a man I'll be,
When I'm riding around in my luxury carriage, I'll feel like a very important person.
So great a man, so great a man, so great a man I'll be,
I'll feel so important that I'll repeat it over and over again.
You'll forget the little plough boy who whistled o'er the lea.
You'll forget about the happy-go-lucky plough boy that I used to be.
I'll buy votes at elections, and when I've made the pelf,
I'll use my money to buy votes during elections to make myself more powerful.
I'll stand poll for the parliament, and then vote in myself.
I'll run for parliament and vote for myself to gain more power.
Whetever's good for me, sir, I never will oppose:
I'll never oppose anything if it benefits me personally.
When all my ayes are sold off, why then I'll sell my noes.
Once I've sold my support, I'll also be willing to sell my opposition if the price is right.
I'll joke, harangue and paragraph, with speeches charm the ear,
I'll use humor, persuasion, and eloquent speeches to gain support and influence.
And when I'm tired on my legs, then I'll sit down a peer.
When I'm too tired to stand, I'll take a break as a high-ranking member of society.
In court or city honour so great a man I'll be,
Whether in court or city, I'll be an immensely important person.
You'll forget the little plough boy who whistled o'er the lea.
The simple and happy plough boy that I used to be will be a distant memory.
You'll forget the little plough boy who whistled o'er the lea.
The simple and happy plough boy that I used to be will be a distant memory.
Lyrics © IMAGEM U.S. LLC
Written by: BENJAMIN BRITTEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Emily Glass
I LOVE this singer! She's been my idol since I took interest in singing in 3rd grade.
Divya Dharshini
Down yonder green valley where streamlets meander
When twilight is fading, I pensively rove
Or at the bright noontide in solitude wander
Amid the dark shades of the lonely Ash grove
'Twas there while the blackbird was joyfully singing
I first met my dear one, the joy of my heart;
Around us for gladness the bluebells were ringing
Ah! then little thought I how soon we should part
Still grows the bright sunshine o'er valley and mountain
Still warbles the blackbird his note from the tree;
Still trembles the moonbeam on streamlet and fountain
But what are the beauties of nature to me
Sallie Taylor
Lovely my dear.
Dash Riprock
Good voice - weird piano and arrangement.