Ask Erik!

Session Thirty-One

Hello all, Erik here! I have learned how to start a chapter! To celebrate, I'll be doing this, the first session we've done in months, on my own! I've yet to learn how comments work, however, so for now I am only going to address these questions Log_Lady has previously saved, from Nalitie.

"1) Have you heard/read the lyrics of the Sydmonton version? If so, what do you think of them?"

I do not think I have, but I shall look them up presently!

*Several moments later, after looking at the lyrics on some blog*

The Sydmonton version of Music of the Night is the first draft of the song, which was performed by Colm Wilkinson in 1985. It was later revised into the version you all know and love that is in the musical. I'll "copy and paste" the lyrics here for all of you to see as well.

"Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation,
Darkness multiplies imagination.
Slowly all the senses, abandon their defenses,
Helpless to resist the notes I write,
For I compose the music of the night.

Close your eyes, for your eyes will only tell the truth,
And the truth isn't what you want to see.
In the dark it is easy to pretend,
That the truth is what it ought to be.

Take your time, break in, filling us completely.
First love, slaughter, adverse words of greeting.
As the night is nearing, the touch, the taste and hearing,
Gradually replace redundant sight,
Preparing for the music of the night.

Close your eyes, let the touch of it, abuse the soul;
Let its timbre crescendo in the flame.
Can you tell, is it pleasure? Is it pain?
From now on, you'll never be the same.

Go now, gently; my music, though you fear it,
Let me show you, only stay and hear it.
Measure after measure, an instrument of pleasure.
A treasure-house, of passion and delight.
Come join me in the music of the night.

All along, my soul can not be right,
Help me make the music of the night."

I think that this is a very interesting version of the song, and to be fully honest, I like it more. It is less idealized and romantic, and holds more to the truth of the situation. There was nothing ideal or romantic about what I did to Christine, but the current version makes it sound very poetic.

"2) Have you heard any other alternate lyric versions?"

I've not, although I also have not gone looking for them.

"3) Christine sent you a letter:

Log_Lady and Erik,
Thank you for all of your help in finding Steven. He's back home now, but he is still a bit shaken up. Do either of you have any ideas that could help him?
Also, we have sent Log_Lady's hedgehogs back through the Erscoga hole, so they should be back home soon.
Thank you,
Christine."

I am glad he is back and safe! When faced with anxiety, I have a few different coping mechanisms. A nice cup of tea, especially if it has mint or lavender, can be soothing. Light reading helps to calm and distract. Meditation, to regulate one's heart rate and breathing. Knitting is a thoughtless task, but keeps one busy and engaged. Soft music also calms the mind. None of these are long term fixes, of course, but they make things more bearable at least in the moment.

Those are all of the question I can access, until I can convince Log_Lady or Gustave to help me find the comment section.... It is very nice talking with all of you again, and I look forward to further contact! Adieu!