The Last Rehearsal
The Final Performance: Embracing Solitude on the Empty Stage
Lyrics
The chairs are lined up in a row
The chairs are arranged in a row, setting the scene for a performance.
and the lights are turned low for the very first show.
The lights are dimmed in anticipation of the first show.
The note that the first fiddle bows rings so clear
The sound of the first fiddle bowing is clear and resonant.
as the orchestra tightens their strings,
The orchestra is preparing, tightening their strings.
And they know that the band on the road
The band on the road won't return for the final rehearsal.
won’t be travelling home for the very last rehearsal.
The band is committed to their journey; there won't be a last rehearsal at home.
Will you play if nobody shows? If they’ve all gone home?
Questioning whether to perform if there's no audience, emphasizing commitment even if alone.
Home to their families. Well, I’ve got nowhere to go, but the show must go on
Despite having nowhere to go, the show must go on for the performer.
– raise the curtain for no one.
Raising the curtain even if there's no audience present.
The stars are lined up in a row and there’s no place to go,
The stars align, but there's nowhere else to go; the stage is set.
as the stage is all set for the show.
Despite the setup, there's a sense of confinement or limitation.
All the seats have been sold
All seats are sold, indicating anticipation from the audience.
and the audience knows that the players are practiced as gold.
The audience is aware that the performers are well-prepared.
They’ve all sung every note and
Everyone has practiced thoroughly, and the lights are dimmed for the final rehearsal.
the lights are turned low for the very last rehearsal.
Will you play if nobody shows? If they’ve all gone home?
Despite everyone leaving, the commitment to perform remains.
Home to their families. Well, I’ve got nowhere to go, but the show must go on
Having nowhere to go, emphasizing the dedication to the show.
– raise the curtain for no one.
Performing even if the curtain is raised for no one.
Tell me why… why do we wait so long?
Pondering why there's a prolonged wait.
Why do we wait so long?
Repetition of the question, emphasizing the impatience or uncertainty.
There’s nowhere to go.
There's no alternative place to go.
There’s no going home.
No option of returning home; this is the last rehearsal.
Home for the very last rehearsal.
Will you play if nobody shows? If they’ve all gone home?
Commitment remains even if everyone has left.
Home to their families.
Reference to others going home to their families while the performer has no such place.
Well, I’ve got nowhere to go, but the show must go on
Emphasizing the dedication to the show even with no destination after.
– raise the curtain for no one.
Raising the curtain for the performance, even if there's no one in the audience.
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