My Immortal: Difference between revisions

From The Evanescence Reference
(→‎General information: I corrected information, and removed false and opinion content that was never stated.)
Line 4: Line 4:
''Written by: [[A. Lee]], [[B. Moody]] and [[D. Hodges]]''
''Written by: [[A. Lee]], [[B. Moody]] and [[D. Hodges]]''


'''''My Immortal''''' is the fourth track from [[Evanescence]]'s debut album, ''[[Fallen]]''. Ben Moody wrote the lyrics to the original when he was 15 years old, and Amy Lee co-wrote the song's melody on piano and added the bridge. The song was added to the ''Daredevil'' soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web|title=Interview with DC101 radio on February 24, 2003|url=http://evanescencereference.info/music/Evanescence-DC101%20Interview%202.mp3 |work=Elliot in the Morning|date=February 24, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070226054023/http://evanescencereference.info/music/Evanescence-DC101%20Interview%202.mp3 |archive-date=February 26, 2007}}</ref> There are seven different recorded versions of the song. The ''Fallen'' version of the song has strings by composer Graeme Revell. It is believed that David Hodges played the piano accompaniment for the ''Fallen'' version of the song.<ref name="piano" group=note />  
'''''My Immortal''''' is the fourth track from [[Evanescence]]'s debut album, ''[[Fallen]]''. Ben Moody wrote the lyrics to the original when he was 15 years old, and Amy Lee co-wrote the song's melody on piano and added the bridge. The song was added to the [[Daredevil Soundtrack|''Daredevil'' soundtrack]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Interview with DC101 radio on February 24, 2003|url=http://evanescencereference.info/music/Evanescence-DC101%20Interview%202.mp3 |work=Elliot in the Morning|date=February 24, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070226054023/http://evanescencereference.info/music/Evanescence-DC101%20Interview%202.mp3 |archive-date=February 26, 2007}}</ref> There are seven different recorded versions of the song. The ''Fallen'' version of the song has strings by composer [[Graeme Revel|Graeme Revell]]. David Hodges played the piano accompaniment for the ''Fallen'' version of the song.<ref name="piano" group="note" />  


Since Ben is credited for having written the song's lyrics, Amy said in an interview that it's weird to sing someone else's lyrics, but she learned to reinterpret them and make sense to her.<ref name=metaledge />
The song was responsible for getting the band a major label deal after [[Diana Meltzer]], Wind-up's A&R, listened to it along with other demos and "knew it was a hit".<ref name="diana" />


The ''Origin'' version was recorded late at night at the radio station where Amy's [[John Lee|father]] worked because the band couldn't afford a "real session."<ref name=cluesproblems />
Since Ben is credited for having written the song's lyrics, Amy said in an interview that it's weird to sing someone else's lyrics, but she learned to reinterpret them and make sense to her.<ref name="metaledge" />


Until near the end of 2002, the ''Fallen'' version was played live. They then began playing the 'Band' version, which later became the version they released as a single. The "band" version was the version Amy and Ben recorded for ''Fallen'', but Wind-up Records wanted the ''Origin'' version on the album, but with more strings in the background.<ref name=cluesproblems /> Amy has stated she dislikes the song because "it's just not [her]" and she feels that she "grown so much now".<ref name=undercover />
The ''Origin'' version was recorded late at night at the radio station where Amy's [[John Lee|father]] worked because the band couldn't afford a "real session."<ref name="cluesproblems" /> This recording contains a MIDI keyboard and Lee's demo vocal performance as a teen.<ref name="kerrang2017" />
 
Until near the end of 2002, the ''Fallen'' version was played live. They then began playing the 'Band' version, which later became the version they released as a single. The "band" version was the version Amy and Ben recorded for ''Fallen'' with strings arrangements by [[David Campbell]], but Wind-up Records wanted the ''Origin'' version on the album, but with more strings in the background.<ref name="cluesproblems" /> This was the only master from ''Origin'' that Wind-Up ever issued.<ref>[[:File:OriginInfo.jpeg|Email from December 20, 2012 between AeternusAmatorius and a source who was close to the band during the 1995 to 2001 eras]]</ref> Amy has stated she dislikes the song because "it's just not [her]" and she feels that she "grown so much now".<ref name="undercover" />


The ''[[Mystary EP]]'' version is like the band version's demo recording. Amy is playing piano with added strings in the background. It also has some similarities to the ''Fallen'' version, although a lot of fans say that this one has a more sophisticated piano arrangement. Amy also takes short pauses in the choruses. The verses don't have much of a difference to the band version. Like the ''Fallen'' version, this version doesn't include the rock part at the end.
The ''[[Mystary EP]]'' version is like the band version's demo recording. Amy is playing piano with added strings in the background. It also has some similarities to the ''Fallen'' version, although a lot of fans say that this one has a more sophisticated piano arrangement. Amy also takes short pauses in the choruses. The verses don't have much of a difference to the band version. Like the ''Fallen'' version, this version doesn't include the rock part at the end.


Ben wrote the lyrics of the songs inspired by a short story. According to Ben, the song is about a spirit staying with you after its death and haunting you until you actually wish that the spirit were gone because it won't leave you alone. The song peaked at #2 on the pop chart just behind Britney Spears' "Toxic".<ref name=billboardpop />  
Ben wrote the lyrics of the songs inspired by a short story. According to Ben, the song is about a spirit staying with you after its death and haunting you until you actually wish that the spirit were gone because it won't leave you alone. The song peaked at #2 on the pop chart just behind Britney Spears' "Toxic".<ref name="billboardpop" />  


At the end of the ''Fallen'' and the band versions a beeps code can be heard. This effect was used also at the end of ''[[Breathe No More]]'' and ''[[Give Unto Me]]''. This code was believed to be a morse code, but it turned out to be a false information; this is what Ben Moody explained about it:
At the end of the ''Fallen'' and the band versions a beeps code can be heard. This effect was used also at the end of ''[[Breathe No More]]'' and ''[[Give Unto Me]]''. This code was believed to be a morse code, but it turned out to be a false information; this is what Ben Moody explained about it:
Line 22: Line 24:
''My Immortal'' was confirmed to be reworked and included on the orchestral album, ''[[Synthesis]]'', when the track list was revealed through the album's pre-order on September 15, 2017. This version was performed live for the first time on October 14, 2017 at the Pearl Concert Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada for the Synthesis Live tour. Watch a performance of the song [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XfU5T_3LyU here].
''My Immortal'' was confirmed to be reworked and included on the orchestral album, ''[[Synthesis]]'', when the track list was revealed through the album's pre-order on September 15, 2017. This version was performed live for the first time on October 14, 2017 at the Pearl Concert Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada for the Synthesis Live tour. Watch a performance of the song [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XfU5T_3LyU here].


In an 2017 interview, Amy noted that ''My Immortal'' is not her favourite song and almost didn't make it to ''Synthesis''.<ref name=newsau /> She stated:
In a 2017 interview, Amy noted that ''My Immortal'' is not her favourite song and almost didn't make it to ''Synthesis''.<ref name="newsau" /> She stated:


{{quote|I seriously considered not putting it on the album, but it’s this really cool opportunity to do it again. The version that I hear 99.9 percent of the time, I’m in a grocery store and it comes on, is this old demo that I cannot stand. It’s not even a real piano and it’s me singing late at night at my dad’s work where they had a studio and he let us go in there and record and I was in high school. So part of me just wanted to rerecord it and it was just too good of an opportunity to put a new version with [[David Campbell]]’s beautiful arrangement at the top of the pile. But that song I’ve never really felt close to. It was written a really long time ago, but now it’s become this big part of our history between our fans and me and I think about the song and the way it makes me feel now. It’s about them, it’s about my relationship with our fans over the years.<ref name=forbes />}}
{{quote|I seriously considered not putting it on the album, but it’s this really cool opportunity to do it again. The version that I hear 99.9 percent of the time, I’m in a grocery store and it comes on, is this old demo that I cannot stand. It’s not even a real piano and it’s me singing late at night at my dad’s work where they had a studio and he let us go in there and record and I was in high school. So part of me just wanted to rerecord it and it was just too good of an opportunity to put a new version with [[David Campbell]]’s beautiful arrangement at the top of the pile. But that song I’ve never really felt close to. It was written a really long time ago, but now it’s become this big part of our history between our fans and me and I think about the song and the way it makes me feel now. It’s about them, it’s about my relationship with our fans over the years.<ref name=forbes />}}


When asked which Evanescence song that she got bored of in a interview in December 2020, Amy replied ''My Immortal'':
When asked which Evanescence song that she got bored of in an interview in December 2020, Amy replied ''My Immortal'':
{{Quote|I went through a phase where I considered never playing it again because I'm so sick of it. It's hard to have your sound wrapped up into one song, but in general artists are known for one song above the others and for us that's either '[[Bring Me to Life|Bring Me To Life]]' or 'My Immortal'. Both of them have something that doesn't sum up our band right, 'Bring Me To Life' has the rap, but 'My Immortal' is the one Evanescence song that I didn't write the lyrics to. It's precious and from this formative time where we were learning how to make music, but our old guitar player wrote the words and I've never liked them. You tend to love something that you pour your real self and heart into more, so it was never my favourite.<ref name=rocksound2020 />}}
{{Quote|I went through a phase where I considered never playing it again because I'm so sick of it. It's hard to have your sound wrapped up into one song, but in general artists are known for one song above the others and for us that's either '[[Bring Me to Life|Bring Me To Life]]' or 'My Immortal'. Both of them have something that doesn't sum up our band right, 'Bring Me To Life' has the rap, but 'My Immortal' is the one Evanescence song that I didn't write the lyrics to. It's precious and from this formative time where we were learning how to make music, but our old guitar player wrote the words and I've never liked them. You tend to love something that you pour your real self and heart into more, so it was never my favourite.<ref name=rocksound2020 />}}


== Versions ==
==Versions==
'''Studio versions:'''
'''Studio versions:'''


'''My Immortal [''Fallen'' version]'''
'''My Immortal [''Fallen'' version]'''
*''Recording date:'' 1999, 2002 (Strings)
*''Recording date:'' 1999, 2002 (Strings)
*''Status:'' Released
* ''Status:'' Released
*''Released on:''
*''Released on:''  
:''[[Fallen]]'' (track #4) – the third single off the album
:''[[Fallen]]'' (track #4) – the third single off the album
:''[[Daredevil Soundtrack|Daredevil: The Album]]'' (track #17)
:''[[Daredevil Soundtrack|Daredevil: The Album]]'' (track #17)
Line 55: Line 57:
*''Length:'' 4:36
*''Length:'' 4:36


'''My Immortal [Band version (Guitars down)]'''<ref name="guitarsdown" group=note />
'''My Immortal [Band version (Guitars down)]'''<ref name="guitarsdown" group="note" />  
*''Recording date:'' August - November 2002
*''Recording date:'' August - November 2002
*''Status:'' Released
*''Status:'' Released
*''Released on:'' [[My Immortal Single#UK CD Two|"My Immortal" UK CD 2 single]] and most of the [[My Immortal Single#Industry promotional releases|promotional singles]]
* ''Released on:'' [[My Immortal Single#UK CD Two|"My Immortal" UK CD 2 single]] and most of the [[My Immortal Single#Industry promotional releases|promotional singles]]
*''Length:'' 4:36
*''Length:'' 4:36


'''My Immortal [Band version (No strings)]'''<ref name="nostrings" group=note />
'''My Immortal [Band version (No strings)]'''<ref name="nostrings" group="note" />
*''Recording date:'' August - November 2002
*''Recording date:'' August - November 2002
*''Status:'' Released
*''Status:'' Released
Line 67: Line 69:
*''Length:'' 4:36
*''Length:'' 4:36


'''My Immortal [''Origin'' version]'''
'''My Immortal [''Origin'' version]'''  
*''Recording date:'' 1999
*''Recording date:'' 1999
*''Status:'' Released
*''Status:'' Released
Line 91: Line 93:
*''Status:'' Released
*''Status:'' Released
*''Recording date:'' October 17, 2003 ("My Immortal" single), May 25, 2004 (''Anywhere but Home'')
*''Recording date:'' October 17, 2003 ("My Immortal" single), May 25, 2004 (''Anywhere but Home'')
*''Released on:''
* ''Released on:''
:[[My Immortal Single|"My Immortal" single]]
:[[My Immortal Single|"My Immortal" single]]
:''[[Anywhere but Home]]'' (track #9)
:''[[Anywhere but Home]]'' (track #9)  
*''Length:'' 4:15 ("My Immortal" single), 4:38 (''Anywhere but Home'')
*''Length:'' 4:15 ("My Immortal" single), 4:38 (''Anywhere but Home'')


'''My Immortal [2006–2007 Live]'''
'''My Immortal [2006–2007 Live]'''
*''Performing period:'' October 5, 2006 - December 8, 2007
*''Performing period:'' October 5, 2006 - December 8, 2007
*''Example:'' Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada (January 8, 2007)<ref name=jam />
*''Example:'' Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada (January 8, 2007)<ref name="jam" />


'''My Immortal [2009 Live]'''
'''My Immortal [2009 Live]'''
*''Performing Period:'' November 4, November 8, 2009
* ''Performing Period:'' November 4, November 8, 2009
*''Performed at:'' [[New York Secret Show 2009|New York City secret gig]] (November 4)<ref name=rollingstone2009 /> and [[Maquinaria Festival 2009|Maquinaria Festival, São Paulo, Brazil]] (November 8)
* ''Performed at:'' [[New York Secret Show 2009|New York City secret gig]] (November 4)<ref name="rollingstone2009" /> and [[Maquinaria Festival 2009|Maquinaria Festival, São Paulo, Brazil]] (November 8)


'''My Immortal [2011–2012 Live]'''
'''My Immortal [2011–2012 Live]'''  
*''Performing Period:'' August 17, 2011 - November 9, 2012
*''Performing Period:'' August 17, 2011 - November 9, 2012
*''Example:'' Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood, California, USA (October 11, 2011)<ref name=hollywoodreport />
*''Example:'' Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood, California, USA (October 11, 2011)<ref name="hollywoodreport" />


'''My Immortal [2016 Live]'''
'''My Immortal [2016 Live]'''
*''Performing Period:'' October - November 2016
* ''Performing Period:'' October - November 2016
*''Example:'' The Diamond Ballroom, Oklahoma City, OK (October 30th, 2016)
*''Example:'' The Diamond Ballroom, Oklahoma City, OK (October 30th, 2016)


Line 130: Line 132:
:[[My Immortal Single#German 3" (Pock-It!®) CD Single|"My Immortal" German (Pock-It!®) single]] (track #2)
:[[My Immortal Single#German 3" (Pock-It!®) CD Single|"My Immortal" German (Pock-It!®) single]] (track #2)
:[[Lost in Paradise Single#Digital single|"Lost in Paradise" digital single]] (track #3)
:[[Lost in Paradise Single#Digital single|"Lost in Paradise" digital single]] (track #3)
*''Length: 4:29
*''Length: 4:29''


== Download ==
== Download==  
*[http://www.evanescencereference.info/music/#Evanescence_EP My Immortal (Evanescence EP Outtake)]
*[http://www.evanescencereference.info/music/#Evanescence_EP My Immortal (Evanescence EP Outtake)]
*[http://www.evanescencereference.info/music/#Origin_CD My Immortal (Origin)]
*[http://www.evanescencereference.info/music/#Origin_CD My Immortal (Origin)]
*[http://www.evanescencereference.info/music/#Mystary_EP My Immortal (Mystary EP)]
*[http://www.evanescencereference.info/music/#Mystary_EP My Immortal (Mystary EP)]  


== Lyrics ==
==Lyrics ==
=== ''Fallen'', ''Origin'', ''Mystary'', acoustic and band versions ===
===''Fallen'', ''Origin'', ''Mystary'', acoustic and band versions===
I'm so tired of being here<br>
I'm so tired of being here<br>
Suppressed by all my childish fears<br>
Suppressed by all my childish fears<br>
Line 181: Line 183:
But you still have all of me<br>
But you still have all of me<br>


=== ''Evanescence EP'' outtake ===
===''Evanescence EP'' outtake===
I'm so tired of being here<br>
I'm so tired of being here<br>
Suppressed by all my childish fears<br>
Suppressed by all my childish fears<br>
Line 227: Line 229:
But you still have all of me<br>
But you still have all of me<br>


== Video ==
==Video==
[[Image:MyImmortalVideo.jpg|thumb|right|150px|My Immortal Video]]
[[Image:MyImmortalVideo.jpg|thumb|right|150px|My Immortal Video]]
The video for "My Immortal" was shot in Barcelona (the fountain in the video is a tourist stop for many fans) and played in black-and-white. Throughout the video, Lee is never seen touching the ground because she is a ghost.<ref name=letter11 /> It was released on November 9, 2003.<ref>https://blabbermouth.net/news/evanescence-my-immortal-video-posted-online</ref>
The video for "My Immortal" was shot in Barcelona (the fountain in the video is a tourist stop for many fans) and played in black-and-white. Throughout the video, Lee is never seen touching the ground because she is a ghost.<ref name="letter11" /> It was released on November 9, 2003.<ref>https://blabbermouth.net/news/evanescence-my-immortal-video-posted-online</ref>


In an interview with ''Rock Sound'' magazine, Lee commented on the video's concept:
In an interview with ''Rock Sound'' magazine, Lee commented on the video's concept:
Line 235: Line 237:
{{quote|You know what? When you see the video it's really amazing. Obviously we filmed it before this [Ben Moody's departure] happened and it's amazing irony, how much it makes sense. We're all separated and wandering the streets looking like it's the day after a funeral, with Ben in a suit and bare feet, and I'm never touching the ground. I'm sitting on a phone booth or lying on a car, to hint that I'm dead, that I'm singing from the dead. It's all about separation. It's almost like the director knew what was going to happen, but he can't have known. It's just one of those fate things.}}
{{quote|You know what? When you see the video it's really amazing. Obviously we filmed it before this [Ben Moody's departure] happened and it's amazing irony, how much it makes sense. We're all separated and wandering the streets looking like it's the day after a funeral, with Ben in a suit and bare feet, and I'm never touching the ground. I'm sitting on a phone booth or lying on a car, to hint that I'm dead, that I'm singing from the dead. It's all about separation. It's almost like the director knew what was going to happen, but he can't have known. It's just one of those fate things.}}


The video was filmed 2 weeks before Ben Moody left the band.
The video was filmed 2 weeks before Ben Moody left the band.<ref name="cluesproblems" />


In a comment on [[EvBoard]], Amy said that her hair in the video is very similar to the way her hair is naturally (she straightens it normally).<ref>Amy's [http://evboard.com/showthread.php?27858-Amy-s-Hair&p=562526&highlight=#post562526 EvBoard post] on October 12, 2004: "okay, I can't believe I'm being the expert hair consultant here, but I just can't believe you guys really think I have straight hair! My natural hair is like in the my immortal video. I know how frustrating it is to get your hair really really straight, and I'm kindof obsessed with japanese fashion"</ref>
In a comment on [[EvBoard]], Amy said that her hair in the video is very similar to the way her hair is naturally (she straightens it normally).<ref>Amy's [http://evboard.com/showthread.php?27858-Amy-s-Hair&p=562526&highlight=#post562526 EvBoard post] on October 12, 2004: "okay, I can't believe I'm being the expert hair consultant here, but I just can't believe you guys really think I have straight hair! My natural hair is like in the my immortal video. I know how frustrating it is to get your hair really really straight, and I'm kindof obsessed with japanese fashion"</ref>
Line 241: Line 243:
*Watch the video on [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5anLPw0Efmo YouTube.com]
*Watch the video on [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5anLPw0Efmo YouTube.com]


== Commercial release ==
==Commercial release==
{{Main|My Immortal Single}}
{{Main|My Immortal Single}}


Line 258: Line 260:
#"My Immortal" [Live acoustic]
#"My Immortal" [Live acoustic]


== Guitar tabs & sheet music ==
==Guitar tabs & sheet music==
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/sheet/My%20Immortal%20(Live).pdf Piano sheet music (Live version) - arranged by Nolan]
* [http://evanescencereference.info/music/sheet/My%20Immortal%20(Live).pdf Piano sheet music (Live version) - arranged by Nolan]
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/sheet/My%20Immortal%20(Album%20Version).pdf Piano sheet music (Album version) - arranged by Yi Su]
* [http://evanescencereference.info/music/sheet/My%20Immortal%20(Album%20Version).pdf Piano sheet music (Album version) - arranged by Yi Su]  
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/sheet/My%20Immortal%20%5bPiano-Vocal%5d.pdf Piano sheet music (Piano/vocal version - 1998 demos) - arranged by Kyle Marcolini]
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/sheet/My%20Immortal%20%5bPiano-Vocal%5d.pdf Piano sheet music (Piano/vocal version - 1998 demos) - arranged by Kyle Marcolini]
*[http://www.evanescencewebsite.com/Tabs/Sheets/Evanescence%20-%20My%20Immortal%20(Real).pdf Piano sheet music (real)]
*[http://www.evanescencewebsite.com/Tabs/Sheets/Evanescence%20-%20My%20Immortal%20(Real).pdf Piano sheet music (real)]


== Notes ==
==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note|refs=
{{reflist|group=note|refs=


Line 276: Line 278:
}}
}}


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist|refs=
{{reflist|2|refs=


<ref name=newsau>{{cite news|last=Adams|first=Cameron|title=Evanescence have removed the “compromise” rap from biggest hit
<ref name=newsau>{{cite news|last=Adams|first=Cameron|title=Evanescence have removed the “compromise” rap from biggest hit
Line 286: Line 288:
<ref name=undercover>{{cite news|last=Cashmere|first=Paul|title=Amy Lee Hates Evanescence My Immortal|url=http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2004/apr04/20040406_evanescence.html|accessdate=May 15, 2013|work=Undercover News|date=April 6, 2004|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060927193500/http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2004/apr04/20040406_evanescence.html|archivedate=September 27, 2006}}</ref>
<ref name=undercover>{{cite news|last=Cashmere|first=Paul|title=Amy Lee Hates Evanescence My Immortal|url=http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2004/apr04/20040406_evanescence.html|accessdate=May 15, 2013|work=Undercover News|date=April 6, 2004|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060927193500/http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2004/apr04/20040406_evanescence.html|archivedate=September 27, 2006}}</ref>


<ref name=cluesproblems>{{cite news|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|title=Are There Clues To Evanescence's Problems In Their New Video?|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1480210/evanescence-release-my-immortal-clip.jhtml|accessdate=May 15, 2013|work=MTV News|date=November 5, 2013}}</ref>
<ref name=cluesproblems>{{cite news|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|title=Are There Clues To Evanescence's Problems In Their New Video?|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1480210/evanescence-release-my-immortal-clip.jhtml|accessdate=May 15, 2013|work=MTV News|date=November 5, 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221191651/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1480210/evanescence-release-my-immortal-clip.jhtml|archivedate=February 21, 2014}}</ref>


<ref name=billboardpop>{{cite news|title=Pop Songs: March 27, 2004|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2004-03-27/pop-songs|accessdate=October 29, 2013|newspaper=Billboard}}</ref>
<ref name=billboardpop>{{cite news|title=Pop Songs: March 27, 2004|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2004-03-27/pop-songs|accessdate=October 29, 2013|newspaper=Billboard}}</ref>
Line 300: Line 302:
<ref name=letter11>{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Amy|title=Letter to Amy from my 11-year-old cousin|url=http://www.evboard.com/562590-post39.html|work=[[EvBoard]]|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20160606043420/http://www.evboard.com/562590-post39.html|archivedate=June 6, 2016|date=October 13, 2004|accessdate=October 29, 2013}}</ref>
<ref name=letter11>{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Amy|title=Letter to Amy from my 11-year-old cousin|url=http://www.evboard.com/562590-post39.html|work=[[EvBoard]]|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20160606043420/http://www.evboard.com/562590-post39.html|archivedate=June 6, 2016|date=October 13, 2004|accessdate=October 29, 2013}}</ref>


<ref name=metaledge>{{cite journal|last=Campagna|first=Cathy A.|date=2003|url=http://galeria.evanescence.com.br/thumbnails.php?album=1542|title=Evanescence: New Royalty|journal=Metal Edge|page=23|issn=|accessdate=}}</ref>
<ref name=metaledge>{{cite journal|last=Campagna|first=Cathy A.|date=2003|url=http://galeria.evanescence.com.br/thumbnails.php?album=1542|title=Evanescence: New Royalty|journal=Metal Edge|page=23|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20140116211147/http://www.evanescencewebsite.com/Fallen/displayimage.php?album=167&pos=13|archivedate=January 16, 2014}}</ref>


<ref name=rocksound2020>{{cite journal|last=Howell|first=Maddy|date=December 2020|title=The First... Amy Lee|journal=Rock Sound|page=63|issue=272|issn=1465-0185|url=https://evthreads.proboards.com/thread/2877/interview-rock-sound-december-2020}}</ref>
<ref name=rocksound2020>{{cite journal|last=Howell|first=Maddy|date=December 2020|title=The First... Amy Lee|journal=Rock Sound|page=63|issue=272|issn=1465-0185|url=https://evthreads.proboards.com/thread/2877/interview-rock-sound-december-2020}}</ref>
<ref name="diana">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110908185725/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Diana_Meltzer_int.html "Interview with DIANA MELTZER, A&R; at Wind-up Records for Creed, Evanescence"]. ''Hit Quarters''. July 7, 2003.</ref>
<ref name=kerrang2017>{{cite journal|last=Law|first=Sam|title=Symphonic Possession|journal=Kerrang!|year=2017|month=October|issue=1694|pages=27|url=https://evthreads.proboards.com/thread/2472/symphonic-possession-kerrang-issue-1694|issn=‎0262-6624}}</ref>


<!-- Add references above this line -->
<!-- Add references above this line -->

Revision as of 13:02, 7 April 2023

This article is about the Evanescence song. For the Ben Moody version, see My Immortal (Ben Moody).

Across the Universe*
All That I'm Living For
Anything for You
Anywhere
Artifact/The Turn
Ascension of the Spirit
Away from Me
Before the Dawn
Better Without You
Bleed
Blind Belief
Breathe No More
Bring Me to Life
Broken Pieces Shine
Call Me When You're Sober
Catherine
Cloud Nine
Demise
Disappear
End of the Dream
Erase This
Eternal
Even in Death
Everybody's Fool
Exodus
Far From Heaven
Farther Away
Feeding the Dark
Field of Innocence
Forever You
Forgive Me
Give Unto Me
Going Under
Good Enough
Haunted
Hello
Hi-Lo
If You Don't Mind
Imaginary
Imperfection
Instrumental 1
Instrumental 2
Instrumental 3
Instrumental 4
Lacrymosa
Lies
Like You
Listen to the Rain
Lithium
Lose Control
Lost in Paradise
Made of Stone
Me & You
Missing
My Heart Is Broken
My Immortal
My Last Breath
Never Go Back
New Way to Bleed
Oceans
October
Origin
Overture
Part of Me
Perfect Dream
Say You Will
Secret Door
Sick
Snow White Queen
So Close
Solitude
Spanish
Surrender
Sweet Sacrifice
Swimming Home
Take Cover
Taking Over Me
The Chain*
The Change
The End
The Game is Over
The In-Between
The Last Song I'm Wasting on You
The Only One
The Other Side
Together Again
Tourniquet
Understanding
Unknown Title
Unraveling
Use My Voice
Wasted on You
Weight of the World
What You Want
Where Will You Go?
Whisper
Yeah Right
You Got a Lot to Learn
Your Love
Your Star
* Cover songs


Article.png My Immortal está disponible en español. Ver el artículo

Το άρθρο My Immortal είναι διαθέσιμο στα ελληνικά. Δείτε το άρθρο

My Immortal è disponibile in italiano. Vedi l'articolo

My Immortal está disponível em português. Ver o artigo

General information

Written by: A. Lee, B. Moody and D. Hodges

My Immortal is the fourth track from Evanescence's debut album, Fallen. Ben Moody wrote the lyrics to the original when he was 15 years old, and Amy Lee co-wrote the song's melody on piano and added the bridge. The song was added to the Daredevil soundtrack.[1] There are seven different recorded versions of the song. The Fallen version of the song has strings by composer Graeme Revell. David Hodges played the piano accompaniment for the Fallen version of the song.[note 1]

The song was responsible for getting the band a major label deal after Diana Meltzer, Wind-up's A&R, listened to it along with other demos and "knew it was a hit".[2]

Since Ben is credited for having written the song's lyrics, Amy said in an interview that it's weird to sing someone else's lyrics, but she learned to reinterpret them and make sense to her.[3]

The Origin version was recorded late at night at the radio station where Amy's father worked because the band couldn't afford a "real session."[4] This recording contains a MIDI keyboard and Lee's demo vocal performance as a teen.[5]

Until near the end of 2002, the Fallen version was played live. They then began playing the 'Band' version, which later became the version they released as a single. The "band" version was the version Amy and Ben recorded for Fallen with strings arrangements by David Campbell, but Wind-up Records wanted the Origin version on the album, but with more strings in the background.[4] This was the only master from Origin that Wind-Up ever issued.[6] Amy has stated she dislikes the song because "it's just not [her]" and she feels that she "grown so much now".[7]

The Mystary EP version is like the band version's demo recording. Amy is playing piano with added strings in the background. It also has some similarities to the Fallen version, although a lot of fans say that this one has a more sophisticated piano arrangement. Amy also takes short pauses in the choruses. The verses don't have much of a difference to the band version. Like the Fallen version, this version doesn't include the rock part at the end.

Ben wrote the lyrics of the songs inspired by a short story. According to Ben, the song is about a spirit staying with you after its death and haunting you until you actually wish that the spirit were gone because it won't leave you alone. The song peaked at #2 on the pop chart just behind Britney Spears' "Toxic".[8]

At the end of the Fallen and the band versions a beeps code can be heard. This effect was used also at the end of Breathe No More and Give Unto Me. This code was believed to be a morse code, but it turned out to be a false information; this is what Ben Moody explained about it:

Vin1.jpg It's actually a preset pattern on a keyboard synthesizer that we were using on that song. And if you sustain the note long enough, it trails off into this beeping that sounds a lot like Morse Code and we thought that it sounded really cool, so we left it. So it's there by accident, to be perfectly honest with you.[9] Vin2.jpg


My Immortal was confirmed to be reworked and included on the orchestral album, Synthesis, when the track list was revealed through the album's pre-order on September 15, 2017. This version was performed live for the first time on October 14, 2017 at the Pearl Concert Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada for the Synthesis Live tour. Watch a performance of the song here.

In a 2017 interview, Amy noted that My Immortal is not her favourite song and almost didn't make it to Synthesis.[10] She stated:

Vin1.jpg I seriously considered not putting it on the album, but it’s this really cool opportunity to do it again. The version that I hear 99.9 percent of the time, I’m in a grocery store and it comes on, is this old demo that I cannot stand. It’s not even a real piano and it’s me singing late at night at my dad’s work where they had a studio and he let us go in there and record and I was in high school. So part of me just wanted to rerecord it and it was just too good of an opportunity to put a new version with David Campbell’s beautiful arrangement at the top of the pile. But that song I’ve never really felt close to. It was written a really long time ago, but now it’s become this big part of our history between our fans and me and I think about the song and the way it makes me feel now. It’s about them, it’s about my relationship with our fans over the years.[11] Vin2.jpg


When asked which Evanescence song that she got bored of in an interview in December 2020, Amy replied My Immortal:

Vin1.jpg I went through a phase where I considered never playing it again because I'm so sick of it. It's hard to have your sound wrapped up into one song, but in general artists are known for one song above the others and for us that's either 'Bring Me To Life' or 'My Immortal'. Both of them have something that doesn't sum up our band right, 'Bring Me To Life' has the rap, but 'My Immortal' is the one Evanescence song that I didn't write the lyrics to. It's precious and from this formative time where we were learning how to make music, but our old guitar player wrote the words and I've never liked them. You tend to love something that you pour your real self and heart into more, so it was never my favourite.[12] Vin2.jpg


Versions

Studio versions:

My Immortal [Fallen version]

  • Recording date: 1999, 2002 (Strings)
  • Status: Released
  • Released on:
Fallen (track #4) – the third single off the album
Daredevil: The Album (track #17)
most of "My Immortal" single editions
  • Length: 4:24

My Immortal [Mystary version]

  • Recording date: 2001–2002
  • Status: Released
  • Released on: Mystary EP (track #2)
  • Length: 4:40

My Immortal [Band version]

  • Recording date: August - November 2002
  • Status: Released
  • Released on:
Re-release of Fallen (track #12, track #13 on Japanese editions)
All of the "My Immortal" single editions and numerous compilation CDs
  • Length: 4:36

My Immortal [Band version (Guitars down)][note 2]

My Immortal [Band version (No strings)][note 3]

My Immortal [Origin version]

  • Recording date: 1999
  • Status: Released
  • Released on: Origin (track #4)
  • Length: 4:26

My Immortal [Evanescence EP outtake]

  • Recording date: 1998
  • Status: Unreleased
  • Length: 5:20

My Immortal [Synthesis version]

  • Recording date: May - August 2017
  • Status: Released
  • Released on: Synthesis (track #14)
  • Length: 4:25


Live versions:

My Immortal [2000–2004 Live]

  • Performing period: 2000 - August 14, 2004
  • Status: Released
  • Recording date: October 17, 2003 ("My Immortal" single), May 25, 2004 (Anywhere but Home)
  • Released on:
"My Immortal" single
Anywhere but Home (track #9)
  • Length: 4:15 ("My Immortal" single), 4:38 (Anywhere but Home)

My Immortal [2006–2007 Live]

  • Performing period: October 5, 2006 - December 8, 2007
  • Example: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada (January 8, 2007)[13]

My Immortal [2009 Live]

My Immortal [2011–2012 Live]

  • Performing Period: August 17, 2011 - November 9, 2012
  • Example: Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood, California, USA (October 11, 2011)[15]

My Immortal [2016 Live]

  • Performing Period: October - November 2016
  • Example: The Diamond Ballroom, Oklahoma City, OK (October 30th, 2016)

My Immortal [2017 Live]

  • Performing Period: April 2017
  • Example: Arenele Romane, Bucharest, Romania (June 29th, 2017)

My Immortal [Synthesis Live]

  • Performing period: October 14, 2017 - September 8, 2018
  • Status: Released
  • Recording date: November 3, 2017
  • Released on: Synthesis Live (track #14)
  • Length: 4:47

My Immortal [Acoustic]

  • Performing period: 2003; December 7, 2011; November 2015; April - May 2016
  • Status: Released
  • Released on:
"Bring Me to Life" UK DVD single (track #4)
"My Immortal" German (Pock-It!®) single (track #2)
"Lost in Paradise" digital single (track #3)
  • Length: 4:29

Download

Lyrics

Fallen, Origin, Mystary, acoustic and band versions

I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me

You used to captivate me
By your resonating light
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me

I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me

Evanescence EP outtake

I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
I would give the very breath from my chest
To give you all the things that my mind couldn't bear
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me

You used to captivate me
By your resonating light
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me

I'd love to walk away and pull myself out of the rain
But I can't leave without you
I'd love to live without the constant fear and endless doubt
But I can't live without you

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me

Video

My Immortal Video

The video for "My Immortal" was shot in Barcelona (the fountain in the video is a tourist stop for many fans) and played in black-and-white. Throughout the video, Lee is never seen touching the ground because she is a ghost.[16] It was released on November 9, 2003.[17]

In an interview with Rock Sound magazine, Lee commented on the video's concept:

Vin1.jpg You know what? When you see the video it's really amazing. Obviously we filmed it before this [Ben Moody's departure] happened and it's amazing irony, how much it makes sense. We're all separated and wandering the streets looking like it's the day after a funeral, with Ben in a suit and bare feet, and I'm never touching the ground. I'm sitting on a phone booth or lying on a car, to hint that I'm dead, that I'm singing from the dead. It's all about separation. It's almost like the director knew what was going to happen, but he can't have known. It's just one of those fate things. Vin2.jpg


The video was filmed 2 weeks before Ben Moody left the band.[4]

In a comment on EvBoard, Amy said that her hair in the video is very similar to the way her hair is naturally (she straightens it normally).[18]

Commercial release

Exquisite-kfind.png Main article: My Immortal Single

The "My Immortal" single was released on December 8, 2003.

Tracks released with this single include:

  1. "My Immortal" [Band version]
  2. "My Immortal" [Live from Cologne]
  3. "Haunted" [Live from Sessions@AOL]
  4. "My Immortal" [Video]
  5. "My Immortal" [Video - Behind the Scenes]
  6. "My Immortal" [Band version (No strings)]
  7. "My Immortal" [Band version (Guitars down)]
  8. "My Immortal" [Fallen version]
  9. "My Immortal" [Live acoustic]

Guitar tabs & sheet music

Notes

  1. ↑ Amy said she wasn't a "piano player" on Fallen, and David is credited on the album's liner notes for piano and keyboards.
  2. ↑ This version is the exact same as the band version, however the guitar track toward the climax of the song is muted by about half. This was rumored to be used on radio stations where a heavy guitar track would be inappropriate.
  3. ↑ This version was rumored to be used on harder rock radio stations where a major string arrangement would be inappropriate. There are strings on the track, but they don't appear until after the guitar section of the song.

References

  1. ↑ "Interview with DC101 radio on February 24, 2003". Elliot in the Morning. February 24, 2003. http://evanescencereference.info/music/Evanescence-DC101%20Interview%202.mp3.
  2. ↑ "Interview with DIANA MELTZER, A&R; at Wind-up Records for Creed, Evanescence". Hit Quarters. July 7, 2003.
  3. ↑ Campagna, Cathy A. (2003). "Evanescence: New Royalty". Metal Edge: 23. Archived from the original on January 16, 2014. http://web.archive.org/web/20140116211147/http://www.evanescencewebsite.com/Fallen/displayimage.php?album=167&pos=13.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Wiederhorn, Jon (November 5, 2013). "Are There Clues To Evanescence's Problems In Their New Video?". MTV News. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140221191651/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1480210/evanescence-release-my-immortal-clip.jhtml. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  5. ↑ Law, Sam (October 2017). "Symphonic Possession". Kerrang! (1694): 27. ISSN ‎0262-6624. https://evthreads.proboards.com/thread/2472/symphonic-possession-kerrang-issue-1694.
  6. ↑ Email from December 20, 2012 between AeternusAmatorius and a source who was close to the band during the 1995 to 2001 eras
  7. ↑ Cashmere, Paul (April 6, 2004). "Amy Lee Hates Evanescence My Immortal". Undercover News. Archived from the original on September 27, 2006. http://web.archive.org/web/20060927193500/http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2004/apr04/20040406_evanescence.html. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  8. ↑ "Pop Songs: March 27, 2004". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/charts/2004-03-27/pop-songs. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  9. ↑ Desens, Krista (August 6, 2004). "Cracking the 'My Immortal' Code". Net Music Countdown. Archived from the original on May 1, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050501071956/http://netmusiccountdown.com/inc/news_article.php?id=6106. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
  10. ↑ Adams, Cameron (October 3, 2017). "Evanescence have removed the “compromise” rap from biggest hit". news.com.au. https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/evanescence-have-removed-the-compromise-rap-from-biggest-hit/news-story/28af28890025b883b06cfad6675259c8.
  11. ↑ Baltin, Steve (November 13, 2017). "Evanescence Amy Lee Talks Orchestral Shows: 'I Think This Is Just A Really Cool Moment In Time'". Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2017/11/13/evanescence-amy-lee-talks-orchestral-shows-i-think-this-is-just-a-really-cool-moment-in-time/#dd1206775577.
  12. ↑ Howell, Maddy (December 2020). "The First... Amy Lee". Rock Sound (272): 63. ISSN 1465-0185. https://evthreads.proboards.com/thread/2877/interview-rock-sound-december-2020.
  13. ↑ "ACC, Toronto - January 8, 2007". Jam!. January 9, 2007. http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/E/Evanescence/ConcertReviews/2007/01/09/3255749.html. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  14. ↑ Harris, Chris (November 5, 2009). "Evanescence Return to the Stage at 'Secret' New York Gig". Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/evanescence-return-to-the-stage-at-secret-new-york-gig-20091105. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  15. ↑ Schillaci, Sophie (October 12, 2011). "Evanescence at the Palladium: Concert Review". The Hollywood Reporter. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/evanescence-taylor-momsen-concert-review-247487. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  16. ↑ Lee, Amy (October 13, 2004). "Letter to Amy from my 11-year-old cousin". EvBoard. Archived from the original on June 6, 2016. http://web.archive.org/web/20160606043420/http://www.evboard.com/562590-post39.html. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  17. ↑ https://blabbermouth.net/news/evanescence-my-immortal-video-posted-online
  18. ↑ Amy's EvBoard post on October 12, 2004: "okay, I can't believe I'm being the expert hair consultant here, but I just can't believe you guys really think I have straight hair! My natural hair is like in the my immortal video. I know how frustrating it is to get your hair really really straight, and I'm kindof obsessed with japanese fashion"
Albums
EPs
Studio
Demo
Live
Compilation
Singles
Promotional singles
Evanescence stuff
Retrieved from "https://evanescencereference.info/wiki/index.php?title=My_Immortal&oldid=39665"