Decades ago, when this played on Broadway, this song left me in tears and I tried to hide them. I felt less foolish when the man next to me, a stranger about 70 years old, took a breath that sounded broken from how hard he was weeping. What a show that was.
I believe the Russian defected to the US with the female love interest but when he arrived was asked if he had comments about his country. The song is him differentiating between the government that he escaped from and the country he loves.
This song is definitely about how he loves his country through all the wars and death, etc. He specifically says, "And you ask me why I love her.." And "I cross over borders but I'm still there now." He loves his country, that's the point.
Partly correct! How can you leave a country of your birth, which you love so much?! Bjorn Ulvaeous and Benny Anderson understood the psychological conflict which tortured the mind of Anatoly Karpov when he left Russia! Remember, Russia during his time is not the Russia at present!
@saveitforthedancexxx : Garry Kasparov was a chess player! LOL! This version was probably sung by either Rhydian Roberts (from XFactor) or Tommy Korberg, who was the original singer from the stage musical production from 1980's. Music written by Bjorn and Benny from ABBA, plus Tim rice's Lyrics. It also starred Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson. Also featured song "I Know Him So Well."
the musical is about two chess players, one from USA and from russia, and it's inspired from the cold war peorid, the women falls in love with the russain( if i remember correctly, so maybe it's about him choosing love og failing he's contry. (BTW. i'm not sure about the last part xD)
Yeah, that's what I like about it. At first glance you'd think its just another patriotic song, but it's just the opposite. He's talking about the LAND that no one can conquer and everything it means to him despite every nations' cruelty and destruction. "Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart" really hits home for me.
@johnfski61 No I don't really get it so would you elaborate your claim? I've never seen the musical so I don't really know the story, but I've always just seen this song as a man declaring his bond to his nation despite all its flaws.
As I see this, heaven is my land whence I came from. Me who is not, you who is not, we who are not - are is was and will be there. l still is there in the heavens. We have crossed boarders, yes, moved from soul to soul, through all forms and visions. But we are still THERE, yes, had never left. I say god is in us, around us. And this anthem declares knowledge of that - that sounds ok, doesn't it?
@saveitforthedancexxx Sorry. My comment wasn't meant in the manner that it came across to you. Don't know if Tommy Korberg sang in Broadway theatres in New York, but he definitely sang in London, for the original Chess stage production. It also sounds like his voice. Hope that helps.
Ah yes, Anthem, a song about love for one's homeland despite it being ruled by an oppressive regime, and the turmoil that leaving it brings, is about England, the country that conquered half the world, and to this day still oppresses the nations in it's unequal 'United Kingdom', upon which it relies for survival. Joking aside, though, I see your point. I think it speaks to all of us about our home, wherever we're from.
What the hell do the lyrics mean? It sounds emotional, but it's so extremely vague that I just find myself scratching my head when trying to find some meaning. I like the last two lines; but how do they relate to the rest of the song, or the context within the musical?
I'm german, both of my parents - I'm sure of my mother - from former Königsberg, being 11 and 12 at the end of the war. I strongly hope that humanity will unity eventually, before it's to late. Knud
Why has this got negative comments, not everyone can interpret what others mean, it clearly wasn't meant maliciously. I had to think about it because you use quite big words. Don't be mean!
This song resonates with me so much. As someone in Trump's America, I seriously consider if I'd ever leave. This song sums up the feeling of Patriotism versus bad governement. Granted the Trump administration isn't quite as bad a stalin this song is still relatable for many americans
Everybody realizes this is an ironic Hymn to Selfishness, right? Just checking. Sometimes it seems that people think it's an inspiring song about inspiring values, or something.
I would choose anyone i loved over God, sorry but God can live without me, if a loved one is in need, turning them away in favour of God is cruel and a little self-serving. just another perspective from someone who does genuinely believe in God
@saveitforthedancexxx Sorry. My comment wasn't meant in the manner that it came across to you. Don't know if Tommy Korberg sang in Broadway theatres in New York, but he definitely sang in London, for the original Chess stage production. It also sounds like his voice. Hope that helps.
Decades ago, when this played on Broadway, this song left me in tears and I tried to hide them. I felt less foolish when the man next to me, a stranger about 70 years old, took a breath that sounded broken from how hard he was weeping. What a show that was.
Jay McDowall this an awesome job when he was singing this song at BGT and ever since that I love this song no matter which version
did an awesome job *
The music actually essays the conflict Anatoly Karpov, a Russian chess player went through when he toyed with the idea of defecting to the West.
I believe the Russian defected to the US with the female love interest but when he arrived was asked if he had comments about his country. The song is him differentiating between the government that he escaped from and the country he loves.
I wish Chess was on near me; I love this song so much :)
This song is definitely about how he loves his country through all the wars and death, etc. He specifically says, "And you ask me why I love her.." And "I cross over borders but I'm still there now." He loves his country, that's the point.
Partly correct! How can you leave a country of your birth, which you love so much?! Bjorn Ulvaeous and Benny Anderson understood the psychological conflict which tortured the mind of Anatoly Karpov when he left Russia! Remember, Russia during his time is not the Russia at present!
ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. I LISTEN TO JOSH EVER DAY LOVE HIS CD STAGES. LOVE
you're more than welcome! and thank you too. i was actually worried that i came across as too aggressive. God bless you too.
Wow , i really love this , since the winner of BGT mr. Jai docwall sang this i fall in love with it .
@saveitforthedancexxx : Garry Kasparov was a chess player! LOL! This version was probably sung by either Rhydian Roberts (from XFactor) or Tommy Korberg, who was the original singer from the stage musical production from 1980's. Music written by Bjorn and Benny from ABBA, plus Tim rice's Lyrics. It also starred Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson. Also featured song "I Know Him So Well."
the musical is about two chess players, one from USA and from russia, and it's inspired from the cold war peorid, the women falls in love with the russain( if i remember correctly, so maybe it's about him choosing love og failing he's contry. (BTW. i'm not sure about the last part xD)
This is amazing!!! I love it!! :)
Yeah, that's what I like about it. At first glance you'd think its just another patriotic song, but it's just the opposite. He's talking about the LAND that no one can conquer and everything it means to him despite every nations' cruelty and destruction. "Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart" really hits home for me.
This is an excellent performance :)
@johnfski61
No I don't really get it so would you elaborate your claim? I've never seen the musical so I don't really know the story, but I've always just seen this song as a man declaring his bond to his nation despite all its flaws.
As I see this, heaven is my land whence I came from. Me who is not, you who is not, we who are not - are is was and will be there. l still is there in the heavens. We have crossed boarders, yes, moved from soul to soul, through all forms and visions. But we are still THERE, yes, had never left. I say god is in us, around us. And this anthem declares knowledge of that - that sounds ok, doesn't it?
ha you said whence
you hit the nail on the head for me, those are my thoughts as I listen to this song.
@saveitforthedancexxx Sorry. My comment wasn't meant in the manner that it came across to you. Don't know if Tommy Korberg sang in Broadway theatres in New York, but he definitely sang in London, for the original Chess stage production. It also sounds like his voice. Hope that helps.
love this song this represents England :)
Ah yes, Anthem, a song about love for one's homeland despite it being ruled by an oppressive regime, and the turmoil that leaving it brings, is about England, the country that conquered half the world, and to this day still oppresses the nations in it's unequal 'United Kingdom', upon which it relies for survival. Joking aside, though, I see your point. I think it speaks to all of us about our home, wherever we're from.
i like it,a true words
When's the drop?
We'll have none of that here A-Aron
This is definitely Jai McDowall
+Christina Berrier Hmm, no it's Stig Rossen, a Danish actor.
What the hell do the lyrics mean? It sounds emotional, but it's so extremely vague that I just find myself scratching my head when trying to find some meaning. I like the last two lines; but how do they relate to the rest of the song, or the context within the musical?
Austin Bond he is singing about how much he loves his country - Russia. He moved to Britain but he missed Russia
This is certainly not Josh Groban. Unfortunately I don't know who it is... but just listen to JG and you'll hear the difference!
What's a Bible duck? Is that a new species of waterfowl?
The Fathersong of The Universe..!!!!
This is Stig Rossen.. the original video is here on youtube as well. th-cam.com/video/522TjMslt1g/w-d-xo.html
1.332 views...lets see how it rises since that great peformance on BGT!
There is only one guy who can sing this - Tommy Korberg
This sounds like Stig Rossen to me.
This song us about a Russian Guy that lives in America but he still loves Russia and people asks him why would he still loves Russia.
Detta är Stig Rossen, inte Körberg.
if turning my back on corruption and evil then im fine with being selfish
I'm german, both of my parents - I'm sure of my mother - from former Königsberg, being 11 and 12 at the end of the war.
I strongly hope that humanity will unity eventually, before it's to late.
Knud
Who is singing this?
Why has this got negative comments, not everyone can interpret what others mean, it clearly wasn't meant maliciously. I had to think about it because you use quite big words. Don't be mean!
If you're also musical fans, check out my Top 25 musical songs :D
This song resonates with me so much. As someone in Trump's America, I seriously consider if I'd ever leave. This song sums up the feeling of Patriotism versus bad governement. Granted the Trump administration isn't quite as bad a stalin this song is still relatable for many americans
anyone do gsce music 2017?
it's jai mcdowall i would say, he did a great performance singing this at britain's got talent
sounds like josh groban btw, correct me if im wrong
This is Josh Groban. How can you not hear this?
Sorry; It's Tommy Koerberg, Swedish singer
Everybody realizes this is an ironic Hymn to Selfishness, right?
Just checking. Sometimes it seems that people think it's an inspiring song about inspiring values, or something.
I would choose anyone i loved over God, sorry but God can live without me, if a loved one is in need, turning them away in favour of God is cruel and a little self-serving.
just another perspective from someone who does genuinely believe in God
@saveitforthedancexxx Sorry. My comment wasn't meant in the manner that it came across to you. Don't know if Tommy Korberg sang in Broadway theatres in New York, but he definitely sang in London, for the original Chess stage production. It also sounds like his voice. Hope that helps.