This music fit Barney so perfectly.... i'll be forever mad at how HIMYM managed to mess it up (I'll also always pretend the last episode doesn't exist and then just watch this perfect song instead xD)
It's funny, because in 2011, when NPH was a part of this cast, they were probably in the seventh season of How I Met Your Mother, which is when his character starts thinking about settling down and having kids.
This is so well done, at the start, it's like a person realistically thinking about his words, and then he gets into it like sudden realization after the "add 'em up Bobby" and then a more bittersweet realization that he doesn't have this and fighting back tears. Such phenomenal acting!
I feel like the main difference between this performance and Raul Esparza's (my other favorite) is that NPH's has more of an innocence to it while Raul's has more of a desperate longing. Both are excellent in different ways. I find it hard to choose a favorite when there are so many ways to play the song as an actor.. Lovely song with a beautiful story only Sondheim could capture...
The merit of Adam Driver’s performance is in how well it works emotionally for his character at that point in the story. He didn’t totally butcher it, but musically it wasn’t incredible
It wasn't muscal for me as much as it was him feeling him expressing Being alive, he isn't an actor or a performer in the movie but the director who knows the essence of words and knows how to explain them. I may have heard this song but he made me understand it. I call it perfection.
Everyone will always have their personal favorites, but NPH does a great job pacing this song; "But...alone...is...alone...not...alive!" Thank you Neil.
This was a great performance, I saw it live. Please don't compare it to Raul's!! They are totally different in how they were done. This was a concert, Raul was in the show. NPH was amazing the entire concert, this number was/is outstanding. Bravo Neil.
most emotional and best acting of any of the versions on youtube. his singing was good too but not sure if technically he is the best singer. on emotion and acting nobody comes close imo
Raul is certainly good its a toss up between the two for me aftw er re listening to both. The worst one ive seen totally devoid of emotion is that guy for bbc sondheim thing
In the musical, Bobby is freaking out, and having moments of terrifying realisation. In Glee, Kurt is actually putting everything he has into belting it out to the crowd. He's singing it as a moment of realisation that this is what he had with Blaine, but that he can be that person for himself also. But he's also singing it as a final opportunity, so he's forcing it to be the only thing he focuses on.
I do agree.. and I love Neil.. but the small loss he has in layers and depth in his voice to Rauls, is compensated by his acting expression in the song.. so I can’t say one is better than the other but perfection might just be both performances somehow morphed into one. Either way, I am brought to tears with both performances.
FRIENDS [frantically]: Bobby...Bobby...Bobby baby... Bobby bubbi...Robby...Robert darling... Bobby, we've been trying to call you. Bobby...Bobby...Bobby baby...Bobby bubbi... Angel, I've got something to tell you. Bob...Robbo...Bobby love...Bobby honey... Bobby, we've been trying to reach you all day. Bobby...Bobby...Bobby Baby...Angel...Darling... The kids were asking-- Bobby...Bobby...Robert...Robby...Bob-o... Bobby, there was something we wanted to say. The line was busy... Bobby...Bobby bubbi... Bobby fella...Bobby sweetie-- ROBERT [speaking]: Stop!...What do you get? [Sings] Someone to hold you too close, Someone to hurt you too deep, Someone to sit in your chair, To ruin your sleep. PAUL: That's true, but there's more to it than that. SARAH: Is that all you think there is to it? HARRY: You've got so many reasons for not being with someone, but Robert, you haven't got one good reason for being alone. LARRY: Come on, you're on to something, Bobby. You're on to something. ROBERT: Someone to need you too much, Someone to know you too well, Someone to pull you up short And put you through hell. DAVID: You see what you look for, you know. JOANNE: You're not a kid anymore, Robby. I don't think you'll ever be a kid again, kiddo. PETER: Hey, buddy, don't be afraid it won't be perfect. The only thing to be afraid of really is that it won't be. JENNY: Don't stop now. Keep going. ROBERT: Someone you have to let in, Someone whose feelings you spare, Someone who, like it or not, Will want you to share A little, a lot. SUSAN: And what does all that mean? LARRY: Robert, how do you know so much about it when you've never been there? HARRY: It's much better living it than looking at it, Robert. PETER: Add 'em up, Bobby. Add 'em up. ROBERT: Someone to crowd you with love, Someone to force you to care, Someone to make you come through, Who'll always be there, As frightened as you Of being alive, Being alive, Being alive, Being alive. AMY: Blow out the candles, Robert, and make a wish. *Want* something! Want *something*! ROBERT: Somebody, hold me too close, Somebody, hurt me too deep, Somebody, sit in my chair And ruin my sleep And make me aware Of being alive, Being alive. Somebody, need me too much, Somebody, know me too well, Somebody, pull me up short And put me through hell And give me support For being alive, Make me alive. Make me confused, Mock me with praise, Let me be used, Vary my days. But alone is alone, not alive. Somebody, crowd me with love, Somebody, force me to care, Somebody, make me come through, I'll always be there, As frightened as you, To help us survive Being alive, Being alive, Being alive!
I think he does this song beautifully, and his comedic timing is also phenomenal. I'm always engaged when I watch NPH, he's one of my favorites. Then again, I'm the kind of actor who thinks that less is more. Just watching somebody fight so hard not to cry without screaming and shouting or pushing any emotion is so beautiful. I love that he doesn't go over-the-top with his performance, the song is sad and emotional by itself. He's just so vulnerable on the stage, it's quite lovely.
Someone to hold you too close Someone to hurt you too deep Someone to sit in your chair And ruin your sleep Someone to need you too much Someone to know you too well Someone to pull you up short To put you through hell Someone you have to let in Someone whose feelings you spare Someone who, like it or not Will want you to share A little, a lot... Someone to crowd you with love Someone to force you to care Someone to make you come through Who'll always be there, as frightened as you Of being alive Being alive, being alive, being alive Somebody hold me too close Somebody hurt me too deep Somebody sit in my chair And ruin my sleep And make me aware Of being alive, being alive Somebody need me too much Somebody know me too well Somebody pull me up short And put me through hell And give me support For being alive Make me alive, make me alive Make me confused, mock me with praise Let me be used, vary my days But alone is alone, not alive! Somebody crowd me with love Somebody force me to care Somebody make me come through I'll always be there As frightened as you To help us survive Being alive, being alive, being alive, being alive
He's wonderful. Harris doesn't have the vocal heft that past Bobbys have, however, he's probably the only Bobby with the magnetism and charisma that the book and songs entail. With Harris, you understand why all of Bobby's friends are so infatuated with him.
I did not know Neil Patrick Harris was in to theater. I though he was only on a television series. He plays the part very well because it fits his character background.
I love this version because the acting is put before the voice. Sondheim shoes are difficult vocally, but the acting component is just as if not more important. Sondheim's shoes are beautiful because they delve into the psyche and show us humanity. If the performance isn't acted we miss out on the beauty of a Sondheim show
This is some of the best acting I have ever seen. He is so vulnerable, and he doesn't have to try and push at all. It's just there. There's beauty in the simplicity and stillness of his performance, it moves me to tears every time. Hearing him fighting not to cry absolutely breaks my heart.
It's been years since I first saw this performance and I'm still SHOOK. His acting, his voice, his face, all of that is so perfect and it connects with me on such a personal level. That longing for something you've never had before that Sondheim put there in the music? It's all right there, so raw and vulnerable. I can't handle it wow it's so good.
I watch this version the most often and while Raul and Adam deliver beauty performances i gotta say NPH just nails it for me. such a powerful performance!! legen - wait for it - dary!!
I agree. When I saw Esparza on the Tony's it totally blew me away and I haven't really felt that since. But I like this performance, too. There's a lot of feeling here.
Such a common feeling we all have but never want to admit to have someone to love is such a blessing those of us who don’t have someone will claim it’s terrible but in the end we’re all envious. To have someone is truly a blessing cherish them
I've seen several great performances of this song (which always rips the guts out of me), but this one tops the lot. A brilliant acting/singing tour de force.
Song reminds me of my husband. He , for lack of better words, socially awkward but once he met me he opened up and allowed myself to feel all the emotions.
I love this version of this song. In my opinion Neil Patrick Harris makes it sound more deep and emotional, he also sings with a loud and clear voice that is not too operatic (I'm not a big fan of Roberts who sound more like opera tenors than an ordinary man with identity crises who lives in NYC) He has played this character masterfully.
Neil nailed this. Don't get me wrong, the fact that he doesn't have the vocal heft of other actors may well hinder him in other roles. But his voice does beautifully at portraying the raw emotion of this song.
I love NPH and I think this is a good performance. I also love John Barrowman and I think his is a good performance. But I saw Esparza sing this on the Tony's with no idea who he was and therefore no prior love, and it truly is the best.
I’m here after watching A Marriage Story...
George O'Connor me too
same
In tears...
Same
And you should fuck off because of that.
I can't listen to this without picturing Barney Stinson singing this and then it just makes me sad
Yessss
Same tbh
EXACTLY THANK YOU
IT FITS HIS CHARACTER PERFECTLY
They RUINED that character arc at the last possible minute lol
This music fit Barney so perfectly.... i'll be forever mad at how HIMYM managed to mess it up (I'll also always pretend the last episode doesn't exist and then just watch this perfect song instead xD)
It's funny, because in 2011, when NPH was a part of this cast, they were probably in the seventh season of How I Met Your Mother, which is when his character starts thinking about settling down and having kids.
RIP Sondheim, a titan of the industry and will never be forgotten.
hey Bob
I'm not crying. It's just been raining...on my face.
T_T
I've been making a lasagna ... for one
This performance is legen.....wait for it......
Dary
dary
had to comment... dary
Dairy
dary
His acting is so raw and personal it makes his voice 100000x better than anything I've heard
This is so well done, at the start, it's like a person realistically thinking about his words, and then he gets into it like sudden realization after the "add 'em up Bobby" and then a more bittersweet realization that he doesn't have this and fighting back tears. Such phenomenal acting!
He's saying "Enema Bobby, enema!"
this song is so emotional & it really makes you reflect on everything in life.
totally agree
Stephen Colbert and NPH on stage at the same time? The world didnt explode? We go lucky!
I feel like the main difference between this performance and Raul Esparza's (my other favorite) is that NPH's has more of an innocence to it while Raul's has more of a desperate longing. Both are excellent in different ways. I find it hard to choose a favorite when there are so many ways to play the song as an actor.. Lovely song with a beautiful story only Sondheim could capture...
I'm here after watching Marriage Story. I love this as much as I love Adam Driver's version.
Agree.
For all watching this watch marriage story Adam Driver absolutely perfected it
Rajat Gupta false
I completely disagree.
I think you need to look up what perfected means oh, because you're using it wrong
The merit of Adam Driver’s performance is in how well it works emotionally for his character at that point in the story. He didn’t totally butcher it, but musically it wasn’t incredible
It wasn't muscal for me as much as it was him feeling him expressing Being alive, he isn't an actor or a performer in the movie but the director who knows the essence of words and knows how to explain them. I may have heard this song but he made me understand it. I call it perfection.
Everyone will always have their personal favorites, but NPH does a great job pacing this song; "But...alone...is...alone...not...alive!"
Thank you Neil.
May Stephen Sondheim's memory be a blessing.
This was a great performance, I saw it live. Please don't compare it to Raul's!! They are totally different in how they were done. This was a concert, Raul was in the show. NPH was amazing the entire concert, this number was/is outstanding. Bravo Neil.
most emotional and best acting of any of the versions on youtube. his singing was good too but not sure if technically he is the best singer. on emotion and acting nobody comes close imo
Raul Esparza? I thought the same, but once I saw Raul's interpretation of Bobby in this song, I changed my opinion. .
+code blackandred Raul is so much better!
Raul is certainly good its a toss up between the two for me aftw
er re listening to both. The worst one ive seen totally devoid of emotion is that guy for bbc sondheim thing
In the musical, Bobby is freaking out, and having moments of terrifying realisation.
In Glee, Kurt is actually putting everything he has into belting it out to the crowd. He's singing it as a moment of realisation that this is what he had with Blaine, but that he can be that person for himself also. But he's also singing it as a final opportunity, so he's forcing it to be the only thing he focuses on.
Beautiful. Though I will never get Chris Colfer's version out of my head.. In a good way.
I love both version.. This one n Chris's
Raul sings better. Sure.
But I prefer Neil's acting. He makes himself so open and vulnerable. It's a powerful experience for the audience
Jacob Britton I respectfully disagree. But then I just don't care for Raul's voice. But what an actor
Nah neils better than him in every way
Raul doesn't sing it better, technically maybe, but who cares.
The actual sound? Not as good
@@hernanmelgarejo211 No.
I do agree.. and I love Neil.. but the small loss he has in layers and depth in his voice to Rauls, is compensated by his acting expression in the song.. so I can’t say one is better than the other but perfection might just be both performances somehow morphed into one. Either way, I am brought to tears with both performances.
FRIENDS [frantically]:
Bobby...Bobby...Bobby baby...
Bobby bubbi...Robby...Robert darling...
Bobby, we've been trying to call you.
Bobby...Bobby...Bobby baby...Bobby bubbi...
Angel, I've got something to tell you.
Bob...Robbo...Bobby love...Bobby honey...
Bobby, we've been trying to reach you all day.
Bobby...Bobby...Bobby Baby...Angel...Darling...
The kids were asking--
Bobby...Bobby...Robert...Robby...Bob-o...
Bobby, there was something we wanted to say.
The line was busy...
Bobby...Bobby bubbi...
Bobby fella...Bobby sweetie--
ROBERT [speaking]: Stop!...What do you get? [Sings]
Someone to hold you too close,
Someone to hurt you too deep,
Someone to sit in your chair,
To ruin your sleep.
PAUL: That's true, but there's more to it than that.
SARAH: Is that all you think there is to it?
HARRY: You've got so many reasons for not being with someone, but
Robert,
you haven't got one good reason for being alone.
LARRY: Come on, you're on to something, Bobby. You're on to something.
ROBERT:
Someone to need you too much,
Someone to know you too well,
Someone to pull you up short
And put you through hell.
DAVID: You see what you look for, you know.
JOANNE: You're not a kid anymore, Robby. I don't think you'll ever
be a kid again, kiddo.
PETER: Hey, buddy, don't be afraid it won't be perfect. The only thing
to be afraid of really is that it won't be.
JENNY: Don't stop now. Keep going.
ROBERT:
Someone you have to let in,
Someone whose feelings you spare,
Someone who, like it or not,
Will want you to share
A little, a lot.
SUSAN: And what does all that mean?
LARRY: Robert, how do you know so much about it when you've never
been there?
HARRY: It's much better living it than looking at it, Robert.
PETER: Add 'em up, Bobby. Add 'em up.
ROBERT:
Someone to crowd you with love,
Someone to force you to care,
Someone to make you come through,
Who'll always be there,
As frightened as you
Of being alive,
Being alive,
Being alive,
Being alive.
AMY: Blow out the candles, Robert, and make a wish. *Want* something!
Want *something*!
ROBERT:
Somebody, hold me too close,
Somebody, hurt me too deep,
Somebody, sit in my chair
And ruin my sleep
And make me aware
Of being alive,
Being alive.
Somebody, need me too much,
Somebody, know me too well,
Somebody, pull me up short
And put me through hell
And give me support
For being alive,
Make me alive.
Make me confused,
Mock me with praise,
Let me be used,
Vary my days.
But alone is alone, not alive.
Somebody, crowd me with love,
Somebody, force me to care,
Somebody, make me come through,
I'll always be there,
As frightened as you,
To help us survive
Being alive,
Being alive,
Being alive!
ZeroB omg! Thank you so much! I've been trying to find the video with lyrics cuz I'm trying to learn the whole song. I got part of it memorized
COLBERT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
NPH channeling his inner Barney Stinson here and the two characters can relate to each other.
I think he does this song beautifully, and his comedic timing is also phenomenal. I'm always engaged when I watch NPH, he's one of my favorites. Then again, I'm the kind of actor who thinks that less is more. Just watching somebody fight so hard not to cry without screaming and shouting or pushing any emotion is so beautiful. I love that he doesn't go over-the-top with his performance, the song is sad and emotional by itself. He's just so vulnerable on the stage, it's quite lovely.
Someone to hold you too close
Someone to hurt you too deep
Someone to sit in your chair
And ruin your sleep
Someone to need you too much
Someone to know you too well
Someone to pull you up short
To put you through hell
Someone you have to let in
Someone whose feelings you spare
Someone who, like it or not
Will want you to share
A little, a lot...
Someone to crowd you with love
Someone to force you to care
Someone to make you come through
Who'll always be there, as frightened as you
Of being alive
Being alive, being alive, being alive
Somebody hold me too close
Somebody hurt me too deep
Somebody sit in my chair
And ruin my sleep
And make me aware
Of being alive, being alive
Somebody need me too much
Somebody know me too well
Somebody pull me up short
And put me through hell
And give me support
For being alive
Make me alive, make me alive
Make me confused, mock me with praise
Let me be used, vary my days
But alone is alone, not alive!
Somebody crowd me with love
Somebody force me to care
Somebody make me come through
I'll always be there
As frightened as you
To help us survive
Being alive, being alive, being alive, being alive
Thank you Noah Baumbach for making me see this, that movie made me listen to this song 50,000,000 times
Charlie: yo pass the aux
Me: aight don’t play trash
Charlie:
Who the fuck is Charlie?
Jasper Haaster Oh right.
I'm just gonna say: Marriage Story too
Adam Driver has so much emotion when he sang that song.
i love adam driver’s version its sooo nice his voice is teriffic
God, I ball like a baby every time I watch this clip. I would be so willing to take the risk
I would be willing to take the risk also. It can only help you, not hurt you.
Me, too. A Marriage Story sung by Adam Driver led me here. How wonderful. The lyrics go to my heart and soul. 💕 Sally Lou. Butler PA Mon., 12/09/19.
Me too
I’m here after watching A Marriage Story too and just got tickets for Company.
Bobby reminds me of Barney. Anyone else agree? Like Robin made Barney alive and now he's happy
Perfect casting
Princess Ali oof do I got some bad news for you
Sarah T yeah that shit finale happened
I thought bobby was more like ted up until the final song. Constantly insisting he wants to be married, but doing everything to actually avoid it
Ellie happened and that’s enough 😊
This was the first time I truly understood the words and the meaning of the song. It was absolutely amazing!
0:59 it's stephen colbert!
Came here after Marriage Story. This song makes me miss all those musicals from the 50’s and 60’s.
Me too just watched Marriage story made me cry I knew I loved this song xxx
Someone to mix NPH emotions with Raul Esparza's voice and you got the perfect performance of Being Alive
= Adam Driver
Chris Colfer
Rest In Peace. Stephen Sondheim. Thank you for the music.
He's wonderful. Harris doesn't have the vocal heft that past Bobbys have, however, he's probably the only Bobby with the magnetism and charisma that the book and songs entail. With Harris, you understand why all of Bobby's friends are so infatuated with him.
I did not know Neil Patrick Harris was in to theater. I though he was only on a television series. He plays the part very well because it fits his character background.
Good sir... He's hosted the Tony Awards many times...
A television series? He's been around a LOT longer than just on HIMYM.
I love this version because the acting is put before the voice. Sondheim shoes are difficult vocally, but the acting component is just as if not more important. Sondheim's shoes are beautiful because they delve into the psyche and show us humanity. If the performance isn't acted we miss out on the beauty of a Sondheim show
This is some of the best acting I have ever seen. He is so vulnerable, and he doesn't have to try and push at all. It's just there. There's beauty in the simplicity and stillness of his performance, it moves me to tears every time. Hearing him fighting not to cry absolutely breaks my heart.
It's been years since I first saw this performance and I'm still SHOOK. His acting, his voice, his face, all of that is so perfect and it connects with me on such a personal level. That longing for something you've never had before that Sondheim put there in the music? It's all right there, so raw and vulnerable. I can't handle it wow it's so good.
"Nothings gonna harm you, not while I'm alive......
Sweeney Todd. Love it!
*not while I'm around
Sjxbxhdbsusj
I watch this version the most often and while Raul and Adam deliver beauty performances i gotta say NPH just nails it for me. such a powerful performance!! legen - wait for it - dary!!
We already miss you, Stephen Sondheim. God bless your contributions to humanity.
I agree. When I saw Esparza on the Tony's it totally blew me away and I haven't really felt that since. But I like this performance, too. There's a lot of feeling here.
This works perfectly through the lense of Barney Stinson as well. Which is crazy. I love himym and I love Company
Listening to this today hurts specially bad. We'll miss you forever 🖤
Such a common feeling we all have but never want to admit to have someone to love is such a blessing those of us who don’t have someone will claim it’s terrible but in the end we’re all envious. To have someone is truly a blessing cherish them
To be honest Im not sure why anyone can say this was not his best. I think this was one of the best Neil has done. It was amazing. He is so talented.
He's... Just awesome.
Being Alive gets me every time. I just want to sob.
I've seen several great performances of this song (which always rips the guts out of me), but this one tops the lot. A brilliant acting/singing tour de force.
I've heard a few versions of this but as far as I remember this is the first time it's made me tear up.
Song reminds me of my husband. He , for lack of better words, socially awkward but once he met me he opened up and allowed myself to feel all the emotions.
Completely amazing! I love Patti in this role. I wish they would release it on DVD!!
I will always cry watching this video man.
Love both NPH and Chris Colfer.
OMG can Chris Colfer and him PLEASE sing this as a duet!!!!!!!!!
if you think Colfer's is good, listen to Raul Esparza's interpretation. best recorded version i've seen by far
Damn he's amazing! And what an amazing cast!
Ooh, Raul Esparza's version is PHENOMENAL. My favorite version. And I'm quite a giant NPH fan, but Esparza's version...man, it's just amazing.
This version is goated.
Finally! I've been looking all over for this! Neil sings this amazingly well! :)
he emotion in this was spot on! i always cry a little when this song plays...
I love this version of this song. In my opinion Neil Patrick Harris makes it sound more deep and emotional, he also sings with a loud and clear voice that is not too operatic (I'm not a big fan of Roberts who sound more like opera tenors than an ordinary man with identity crises who lives in NYC) He has played this character masterfully.
So many celeb cameos in this :) It's so beautiful. NPH does a great job.
I just LOVE Neil!! He's so talented, in so many things. I would love to see him sing more.
He's great!
Thank you for this video.
For those saying Neil's singing is not incredible, you don't remember the Glee episode where he sings Dream On. Whew. Amazing. NPH is AWESOME.
YOU Are so handsome and talented ❤❤🤩😭😭 tears of joy
Yes, pleasantly surprised by his performance, love his voice very rich and real
So happy I was able to see this Live!
What a great performance! That tears in his eyes...
This and Pretty women are one of the most beautiful songs Stephen Sondheim ever written
This performance makes me cry so much. And I never cry at songs
Gave me chills down my spine!
Thanks for uploading this! :) I've been looking for this performance forever!
HOW HAVE I NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE!!!
This is beyond fantastic!! Neil is such an incrediblee singer!! ♥♥ wow!!
One of the few songs which makes me cry. The lyrics are pure magic.
I looooooooove this song!
Finally saw Company last night on Broadway. It was amazing! Great to be back to a live show. We felt alive😀
Im doing this song for my school's concert. Its a really nice song! I love it
I get chills every time I watch it
Our teacher showed us this movie in class, and when we got to this song I started crying. Beautifully done, thanks for posting!
Finally I see this song in its context with all the prompts and now it makes sense at last. Thank you.
This is the best!
Just watch the animation movie Soul, and it reminded me so much of this song.
I really do like this performance. This song always hits a place for me.
Probably the most beautiful broadway song. Neil Patrick Harris gives it such a definition of emotion that many Bobbys miss.
Neil nailed this.
Don't get me wrong, the fact that he doesn't have the vocal heft of other actors may well hinder him in other roles. But his voice does beautifully at portraying the raw emotion of this song.
YES THANK YOU HES AMAZING
This is my absolute favorite version of this song
listening to this make me happy.
makes me happy....especially with all that is going on in the world. it takes me away from everything
Neil Patrick Harris is magical!
This is more than I ever thought he was capable of.
Neil was a great Robert. The emotion is so real.
I love NPH and I think this is a good performance. I also love John Barrowman and I think his is a good performance. But I saw Esparza sing this on the Tony's with no idea who he was and therefore no prior love, and it truly is the best.
This is absolutely gorgeous.