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== General Information ==
== General information ==
''Written by: [[A. Lee]], [[B. Moody]] and [[D. Hodges]]''


''Written by: [[A. Lee]] and [[B. Moody]]''
'''''Imaginary''''' lasts about the entire span of Evanescence's recording history. Originally released on the original ''[[Evanescence EP]]'' in 1998, ''Imaginary'' has evolved through eight different versions. Amy Lee wrote the song and it apparently refers to her old room. The song is interpreted as finding a place to escape personal troubles and the outside world.


This song lasts about the entire span of Evanescence’s recording history. Originally released on the original Evanescence EP in 1998, Imaginary has evolved through 7 different versions. Amy Lee wrote the song and it apparently refers to her old room. The song is interpreted as finding a place to escape personal troubles and the outside world.
Amy has stated during an MTV interview in December 2003 that she would like ''Imaginary'' to be the fourth single from ''[[Fallen]]''.<ref name=soldieron /> However, ''[[Everybody's Fool]]'' was released. ''Imaginary'' had actually been released as an airplay single in Spain in 2003. The song debuted and peaked at #17 on the charts{{Citation needed}}. The video was a clip from [[Live in Cologne]]{{Citation needed}}.


There was speculation that Imaginary would be the fourth single off the Fallen album. However, Everybody's Fool was released. Imaginary had actually been released as an airplay single in Spain in 2004. The song debuted and peaked at #17 on the charts. The video was a clip from Live in Cologne (See [[Live_in_Cologne|Cologne, Live in]])The songs Intro is linked to the Outro of Tourniquet.
In an interview, producer [[Dave Fortman]] discussed the production of the song in the ''Fallen'' sessions:
 
{{quote|During the bridge of ‘Imaginary,’ there are probably 70-plus people performing on the song at that moment. There's a choir that's been doubled, there is a string orchestra with 22 players doubled, then you add all of the band members, and it's huge. That section has so much depth to it. There's no purpose to look at it as a live band at that point.<ref name=fortman />}}
 
''Imaginary'' was played during Evanescence's ''Fallen''<ref name=noslowing /> and ''[[The Open Door]]'' tours.<ref name=pegasuslose /><ref name=dailyutah /> It was played at Evanescence's secret New York gig on November 4, 2009,<ref name=blabbersecret /> and was later added to the setlist of the Evanescence Tour in 2011 and 2012. Interestingly, the band changed the 2 first verses from the post-bridge chorus in a few shows from the end of this tour, where ''"If you need to leave the world you live in / Lay your head down and stay a while"'' can be heard instead of the usual lyrics.<ref name=hollywoodoct /><ref name=whiplash />
 
''Imaginary'' 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=HkMjIe1GPj8 here].
 
The excerpt in the tour program/songbook available at the merch table as well as given to those who purchased the VIP experience explains: ''This song is special for a lot of reasons. One of our oldest compositions, it's part of the exploration that shaped the core sound of Evanescence. It has never once left the live setlist.''


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


'''Imaginary [Fallen version]'''
'''Imaginary [''Fallen'' version]'''
*''Recording date:'' August - November 2002
*''Recording date:'' August - November 2002
*''Status:'' Released
*''Status:'' [[The Evanescence Reference:Release Status|Released, Available]]
*''Released on:''
*''Released on:''
:[[Fallen]] (track #7)
**''[[Fallen]]'' (track #7)
:[[#Spain Radio Promo Single|Imaginary promotional single]]
**"Imaginary" promotional single
***''Status:'' [[The Evanescence Reference:Release Status|Released, Unavailable]]
*''Length:'' 4:17
*''Length:'' 4:17


'''Imaginary [Mystary Version]'''<ref>It's the same Fallen-version</ref>
'''Imaginary [''Mystary'' version]'''<ref name="mystary" group=note />
*''Recording date:'' August - November 2002
*''Recording date:'' August - November 2002
*''Status:'' Released
*''Status:'' [[The Evanescence Reference:Release Status|Released, Unavailable]]
*''Released on:'' [[Mystary EP]] (track #5)
*''Released on:'' ''[[Mystary]]'' (track #5)
*''Length:'' 4:18
*''Length:'' 4:18


'''Imaginary [Origin Version]'''
'''Imaginary [Fallen pre-master]'''<ref name="premaster" group=note />
*''Recording date:'' August - November 2002
*''Status:'' [[The Evanescence Reference:Release Status|Unreleased, Available]]
*''Length:'' 5:09
 
'''Imaginary [''Origin'' version]'''
*''Recording date:'' 1999
*''Recording date:'' 1999
*''Status:'' Released
*''Status:'' [[The Evanescence Reference:Release Status|Released, Unavailable]]
*''Released on:'' [[Origin (album)|Origin]] (track #3)
*''Released on:'' ''[[Origin (album)|Origin]]'' (track #3)
*''Length:'' 3:32
*''Length:'' 3:32


'''Imaginary [Evanescence EP Version]'''
'''Imaginary [''Evanescence EP'' version]'''
*''Recording date:'' 1998
*''Recording date:'' 1998
*''Status:'' Released
*''Status:'' [[The Evanescence Reference:Release Status|Released, Unavailable]]
*''Released on:'' [[Evanescence EP]] (track #3)
*''Released on:'' ''[[Evanescence EP]]'' (track #3)
*''Length:'' 4:01
*''Length:'' 4:01


'''Imaginary [Demo Version #1]'''
'''Imaginary [Demo version #1]'''
*''Recording date:'' 2001-2002
*''Recording date:'' 2001–2002
*''Status:'' Unreleased
*''Status:'' [[The Evanescence Reference:Release Status|Unreleased, Available]]
*''Length:'' 3:18
*''Length:'' 3:18


'''Imaginary [Demo Version #2]'''
'''Imaginary [Demo version #2]'''
*''Recording date:'' 2001-2002
*''Recording date:'' 2001–2002
*''Status:'' Unreleased
*''Status:'' [[The Evanescence Reference:Release Status|Unreleased, Available]]
*''Length:'' 3:27
*''Length:'' 3:27


'''Imaginary [Fallen Pre-Master]'''<ref>This track is the same as the Fallen version with the string outro from [[Tourniquet]] in the beginning</ref>
'''Imaginary [''Synthesis'' version]'''
*''Recording date:'' August - November 2002
*''Recording date:'' May - August 2017
*''Status:'' Unreleased
*''Status:'' [[The Evanescence Reference:Release Status|Released, Available]]
*''Length:'' 5:09
*''Released on: [[Synthesis]]'' (track #9)
*''Length:'' 4:03




'''Live versions:'''
'''Live versions:'''


'''Imaginary [live]'''
'''Imaginary [Live]'''
*''Performing period:'' 2000-2004
*''Performing period:'' 2000 – August 14, 2004
*''Status:'' Released
*''Status:'' Released
*''Recording date:'' May 25, 2004
*''Recording date:'' May 25, 2004
*''Released on:'' [[Anywhere But Home]] (track #12)
*''Released on:'' ''[[Anywhere but Home]]'' (track #12)
*''Length:'' 5:25
*''Length:'' 5:25


'''Imaginary [live Evanescence EP version]'''
'''Imaginary [Live ''Evanescence EP'' version]'''
*''Performing period:'' May 7th, 1999
*''Performing period:'' May 7, 1999
*''Status:'' Unreleased
*''Status:'' Unreleased
*''Example:'' Concert at Vino's Bar
*''Example:'' Concert at Vino's Bar in Little Rock, Arkansas


'''Imaginary [live 2006-2007]''' <ref>This live version has some minor adiitions, like the guitars and the drums playing during the bridge, where normally there is only the piano playing. Also, Amy plays on a keyboard the piano part of the bridge, while the earlier live version had this part pre-recorded and playbacked. Also, the guitars often faded out to the piano intro of [[Bring Me To Life]].</ref>
'''Imaginary [Live 2006–2017]'''<ref name="liveadditions" group=note />
*''Performing period:'' 2006-2007 (specific dates needed)
*''Performing period:'' October 5, 2006 – December 8, 2007; November 4 and November 8, 2009; August 17, 2011 – November 9, 2012; November 2015; April - November 2016; April 2017
*''Status'': Unreleased
*''Status'': Unreleased
*''Example'': Live @ Rock Am Ring 2007
*''Examples'': Izod Center, New Jersey (December 4, 2007); Pepsi On Stage, Porto Alegre, Brazil (October 4, 2012)
*''Length'': approximately 4:10
 
'''Imaginary [''Origin'' lyrics 2012]'''<ref name="earlierlyrics" group=note />
*''Performing period:'' October 7 and October 11, 2012
*''Status:'' Unreleased
*''Example:'' Chevrolet Hall, Recife, Brazil (October 11, 2012)


'''Imaginary [acoustic]''' <ref name=acoustic>Bootlegged by a local (dev on the [[EvBoard]]) from the band’s January 13th Fallen party later released on the Internet.</ref>
'''Imaginary [Acoustic]'''
*''Performing period:'' 2003
*''Performing date:'' January 13, 2003
*''Status:'' Unreleased
*''Status:'' Unreleased
*''Length'': approximately 3:55
*''Length'': approximately 3:55
'''Imaginary [Synthesis Live]'''
*''Performing period:'' October 14, 2017 - September 8, 2018
*''Status:'' To be released October 12, 2018
*''Recording date:'' November 3, 2017
*''Released on:'' ''[[Synthesis Live]]'' (track #9)
*''Length:'' 5:47


== Download ==
== Download ==
 
*[http://www.evanescencereference.info/music/#Evanescence_EP Imaginary (Evanescence EP)]
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/50g6EuSX/Evanescence_-_Evanescence_EP_-_03_-_Imaginary_-_EP_Version.mp3 Imaginary (Evanescence EP)]
*[http://www.evanescencereference.info/music/#Origin_CD Imaginary (Origin)]
 
*[http://www.evanescencereference.info/music/#Mystary_EP Imaginary (Mystary EP)]
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/50g6EuSX/Evanescence_-_Origin_-_03_-_Imaginary.mp3 Imaginary (Origin)]
*[http://www.evanescencereference.info/music/index.html#Misc Imaginary (Demos and Fallen Pre-Master)]
 
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/50g6EuSX/Evanescence_-_Demo_CD_-_06_-_Imaginary.mp3 Imaginary (Demo #1)]
 
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/50g6EuSX/Evanescence_-_Demo_CD_Alt_Takes_-_Imaginary_-_Demo_V.2.mp3 Imaginary (Demo #2)]
 
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/50g6EuSX/Evanescence_-_Mystary_EP_-_05_-_Imaginary_-_Mystery_Edit.mp3 Imaginary (Mystary)]
 
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/50g6EuSX/Evanescence_-_Imaginary_-_Mystary.mp3 Imaginary (Fallen Pre-Master)]


== Lyrics ==
== Lyrics ==
 
=== ''Fallen'', ''Mystary'' and ''Fallen'' pre-master versions ===
=== Fallen, Mystary and Fallen Pre-Master Versions===
 
Aaah... Paper flowers<br>
Aaah... Paper flowers<br>
''Aaah... Paper flowers''<br>
''Aaah... Paper flowers''<br>
Line 104: Line 120:
Let me stay<br>
Let me stay<br>
Where the wind will whisper to me<br>
Where the wind will whisper to me<br>
Where the raindrops as they’re falling tell a story<br>
Where the raindrops as they're falling tell a story<br>
<br>
<br>
In my field of paper flowers<br>
In my field of paper flowers<br>
Line 134: Line 150:
''Aaah... Paper flowers''<br>
''Aaah... Paper flowers''<br>


===Origin Version===
=== ''Origin'' version ===
 
Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming<br>
Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming<br>
Cannot cease for the fear of silent nights<br>
Cannot cease for the fear of silent nights<br>
Line 162: Line 177:
And watch my purple sky fly over me ''[paper flowers]''<br>
And watch my purple sky fly over me ''[paper flowers]''<br>


===EP Version===
=== EP version ===
 
Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming<br>
Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming<br>
Cannot cease for the fear of silent nights<br>
Cannot cease for the fear of silent nights<br>
Line 185: Line 199:
Something waits for you to breathe again ''[flowers]'' <br>
Something waits for you to breathe again ''[flowers]'' <br>


===Demo Version #1===
=== Demo version #1 ===
 
''Aaah... Paper flowers''<br>
''Aaah... Paper flowers''<br>
''Aaah... Paper flowers''<br>
''Aaah... Paper flowers''<br>
Line 220: Line 233:
And watch my purple sky fly over me ''[paper flowers]''<br>
And watch my purple sky fly over me ''[paper flowers]''<br>


===Demo Version #2===
=== Demo version #2 ===
 
I linger in the doorway<br>
I linger in the doorway<br>
Of alarm clock screaming monsters calling my name<br>
Of alarm clock screaming monsters calling my name<br>
Line 248: Line 260:
And watch my purple sky fly over me ''[paper flowers]''<br>
And watch my purple sky fly over me ''[paper flowers]''<br>


=== Acoustic Version ===
=== Acoustic version ===
 
Aaah... Paper flowers<br>
Aaah... Paper flowers<br>
<br>
<br>
Line 256: Line 267:
Let me stay<br>
Let me stay<br>
Where the wind will whisper to me<br>
Where the wind will whisper to me<br>
Where the raindrops as they’re falling tell a story<br>
Where the raindrops as they're falling tell a story<br>
<br>
<br>
In my field of paper flowers<br>
In my field of paper flowers<br>
Line 287: Line 298:
I lie inside myself for hours<br>
I lie inside myself for hours<br>
And watch my purple sky fly over me<br>
And watch my purple sky fly over me<br>
<br>
=== ''Synthesis'' version ===
I linger in the doorway<br>
Of alarm clock screaming monsters calling my name<br>
Let me stay where the wind will whisper to me<br>
Where the raindrops as they’re falling tell a story<br>
<br>
In my field of paper flowers <br>
And candy clouds of lullaby <br>
I lie inside myself for hours <br>
And watch my purple sky fly over me<br>
<br>
Don’t say I’m out of touch<br>
With this rampant chaos, your reality<br>
I know well what lies beyond my sleeping refuge<br>
The nightmare I built my own world to escape<br>
<br>
In my field of paper flowers <br>
And candy clouds of lullaby <br>
I lie inside myself for hours <br>
And watch my purple sky fly over me<br>
<br>
Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming<br>
Cannot cease for the fear of silent nights<br>
Oh how I long for the deep sleep dreaming<br>
The goddess of imaginary light<br>
<br>
In my field of paper flowers <br>
And candy clouds of lullaby <br>
I lie inside myself for hours <br>
And watch my purple sky fly over me<br>
<br>
In my field of paper flowers <br>
And candy clouds of lullaby <br>
I lie inside myself for hours <br>
And watch my purple sky fly over me<br>
<br>
Aaah... Paper flowers<br>
Aaah... Paper flowers


==Spainish Radio Single==
== Spain Radio Promo ==
:''Main Article: [[Imaginary Single]]''
{{Infobox single
| Name        = Imaginary
| Cover      = imaginaryradiosinglefront.jpg
| Artist      = [[Evanescence]]
| Album      = [[Fallen]]
| Released    = 2003
| Format      = CD single
| Last single = "[[My Immortal Single|My Immortal]]"<br />(2003)
| This single = "'''Imaginary'''"<br />(2003)
| Next single = "[[Everybody's Fool Single|Everybody's Fool]]"<br />(2004)
| Misc        =
}}
"Imaginary" was released in Spain as a very limited edition radio promo single, under the Sony label, in October 2003.


Imaginary was released in very limited edition as a radio promo single, under the Sony label, in Spain in 2004. Catalog No. '''281003'''. The single featured one track.
It features an one-track CD inserted in a black cardsleeve with a cover image that belongs to the same photoshoot of [[Everybody's Fool Single|"Everybody's Fool" single]]. It is the rarest non-WUJC single ever released by the band and, for sure, the most valuable one. Online auctions usually reach more than $250 and very few copies have been seen in the past years. Most of them are still in near-mint condition due to the fact they have been stocked all along within Spanish radio stations warehouses.


# Imaginary [Album Version] - (4:16)
Imaginary [Live in Cologne (in 2003)] was shown on Spanish Music TV at the same time as "Imaginary" had airplay in Spain.


=== Promo single ===
'''Status: Out of Print'''<br>
'''Label: Sony BMG'''<br>
'''Cat.no: 281003'''<br>


Imaginary (Live in Cologne (in 2003)) was shown on Spanish Music TV at the same time as Imaginary had airplay in Spain.
Around 50-100 of these discs exist. Sightings are ''very'' rare. Catalog No. '''281003'''.


== Guitar Tabs & Sheet Music ==
#Imaginary [Album version] (4:16)


<gallery>
Image:imaginaryradiosinglefront.jpg|Front cover
Image:imaginaryradiosingleback.jpg|Back cover
Image:imaginaryradiosingledisc.jpg|Disc
</gallery>
== Guitar tabs & sheet music ==
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/sheet/Imaginary%20(Origin).pdf Piano sheet music (Origin version) - arranged by Kyle Marcolini]
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/sheet/Imaginary%20(Origin).pdf Piano sheet music (Origin version) - arranged by Kyle Marcolini]
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/sheet/Imaginary.pdf Piano sheet music with guitar tabs]
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/sheet/Imaginary.pdf Piano sheet music with guitar tabs]
Line 305: Line 378:
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/sheet/Imaginary%20Demo%20Intro%20-%20Evanescence%20-%20arr%20Michael%20McWilliams.pdf Demo intro piano sheet music - arranged by Michael McWilliams]
*[http://evanescencereference.info/music/sheet/Imaginary%20Demo%20Intro%20-%20Evanescence%20-%20arr%20Michael%20McWilliams.pdf Demo intro piano sheet music - arranged by Michael McWilliams]


== Notes and References ==
== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=note|refs=
 
<ref name="mystary" group=note>This is the same as the ''Fallen'' version.</ref>
 
<ref name="premaster" group=note>This track is the same as the ''Fallen'' version with the string outro from "[[Tourniquet]]" in the beginning.</ref>
 
<ref name="liveadditions" group=note>This live version has some minor additions, like the guitars and the drums playing during the bridge, where normally there is only the piano playing. Also, Amy plays on a keyboard the piano part of the bridge, while the earlier live versions had this part pre-recorded and playbacked. Also, the guitars often faded out to the piano intro of "[[Bring Me to Life]]".</ref>
 
<ref name="earlierlyrics" group=note>This live version has lyrics from earlier versions of "Imaginary": "If you need to leave the world you live in/Lay your head down and stay a while/Though you may not remember dreaming/Something waits for you to breathe again".</ref>
 
<!-- Add notes above this line -->
}}
 
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
 
<ref name=soldieron>{{cite news|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|title=Evanescence Soldier On Without Ben Moody, Look Forward To Recording|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1483876/evanescence-soldier-on-without-ben-moody.jhtml|accessdate=June 5, 2013|work=MTV News|date=December 23, 2003}}</ref>
 
<ref name=noslowing>{{cite news|last=D'Angelo|first=Joe|title=Evanescence Show No Signs Of Slowing Down At New York Show|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489662/evanescence-energetic-live.jhtml|accessdate=October 22, 2013|work=MTV News|date=July 23, 2004}}</ref>
 
<ref name=pegasuslose>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Kenneth|title=Concert review: Evanescence at Nokia Theater|url=http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2007/oct/31/evanescence-nokia-theater/|accessdate=October 22, 2013|work=Pegasus News|date=October 31, 2007}}</ref>
 
<ref name=dailyutah>{{cite news|first=Doug|last=Fox|url=http://www.heraldextra.com/lifestyles/evanescence-steps-through-open-door-at-uvsc/article_84ee1660-7e30-5796-956a-c10ecd888170.html|title=Evanescence steps through 'Open Door' at UVSC|newspaper=Daily Herald|date=November 20, 2007|accessdate=October 22, 2013}}</ref>
 
<ref name=blabbersecret>{{cite news|date=November 5, 2009|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/evanescence-returns-to-live-stage-taps-finger-eleven-guitarist|title=Evanescence Returns To Live Stage, Taps Finger Eleven Guitarist|work=Blabbermouth.net|accessdate=August 3, 2013}}</ref>
 
<ref name=hollywoodoct>{{cite news|last=Schillaci|first=Sophie|title=Evanescence at the Palladium: Concert Review|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/evanescence-taylor-momsen-concert-review-247487|accessdate=October 22, 2013|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=October 12, 2011}}</ref>
 
<ref name=whiplash>{{cite web|last=Finatto|first=Paulo, Jr.|title=Resenha - Evanescence (Pepsi on Stage, Porto Alegre, 04/10/12)|url=http://whiplash.net/materias/shows/165121-evanescence.html|work=Whiplash.net|accessdate=October 22, 2013|language=Spanish|date=October 10, 2012}}</ref>


{{Ref}}
<ref name=fortman>{{cite news|last=Reeseman|first=Bryan|date=August 1, 2003|url=https://www.mixonline.com/recording/evanescence-365108|title=Evanescence|work=Mixonline|accessdate=October 23, 2013}}</ref>


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


{{Evanescence}}
{{Evanescence}}
[[Category:Songs]]
[[Category:Evanescence EP songs]]
[[Category:Evanescence EP songs]]
[[Category:Origin songs]]
[[Category:Origin songs]]
[[Category:Fallen songs]]
[[Category:Fallen songs]]
[[Category:Anywhere but Home songs]]
[[Category:Anywhere but Home songs]]
[[Category:Singles]]
[[Category:Synthesis songs]]

Revision as of 14:49, 23 October 2019

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


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General information

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

Imaginary lasts about the entire span of Evanescence's recording history. Originally released on the original Evanescence EP in 1998, Imaginary has evolved through eight different versions. Amy Lee wrote the song and it apparently refers to her old room. The song is interpreted as finding a place to escape personal troubles and the outside world.

Amy has stated during an MTV interview in December 2003 that she would like Imaginary to be the fourth single from Fallen.[1] However, Everybody's Fool was released. Imaginary had actually been released as an airplay single in Spain in 2003. The song debuted and peaked at #17 on the charts[citation needed]. The video was a clip from Live in Cologne[citation needed].

In an interview, producer Dave Fortman discussed the production of the song in the Fallen sessions:

Vin1.jpg During the bridge of ‘Imaginary,’ there are probably 70-plus people performing on the song at that moment. There's a choir that's been doubled, there is a string orchestra with 22 players doubled, then you add all of the band members, and it's huge. That section has so much depth to it. There's no purpose to look at it as a live band at that point.[2] Vin2.jpg


Imaginary was played during Evanescence's Fallen[3] and The Open Door tours.[4][5] It was played at Evanescence's secret New York gig on November 4, 2009,[6] and was later added to the setlist of the Evanescence Tour in 2011 and 2012. Interestingly, the band changed the 2 first verses from the post-bridge chorus in a few shows from the end of this tour, where "If you need to leave the world you live in / Lay your head down and stay a while" can be heard instead of the usual lyrics.[7][8]

Imaginary 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.

The excerpt in the tour program/songbook available at the merch table as well as given to those who purchased the VIP experience explains: This song is special for a lot of reasons. One of our oldest compositions, it's part of the exploration that shaped the core sound of Evanescence. It has never once left the live setlist.

Versions

Studio versions:

Imaginary [Fallen version]

Imaginary [Mystary version][note 1]

Imaginary [Fallen pre-master][note 2]

Imaginary [Origin version]

Imaginary [Evanescence EP version]

Imaginary [Demo version #1]

Imaginary [Demo version #2]

Imaginary [Synthesis version]


Live versions:

Imaginary [Live]

  • Performing period: 2000 – August 14, 2004
  • Status: Released
  • Recording date: May 25, 2004
  • Released on: Anywhere but Home (track #12)
  • Length: 5:25

Imaginary [Live Evanescence EP version]

  • Performing period: May 7, 1999
  • Status: Unreleased
  • Example: Concert at Vino's Bar in Little Rock, Arkansas

Imaginary [Live 2006–2017][note 3]

  • Performing period: October 5, 2006 – December 8, 2007; November 4 and November 8, 2009; August 17, 2011 – November 9, 2012; November 2015; April - November 2016; April 2017
  • Status: Unreleased
  • Examples: Izod Center, New Jersey (December 4, 2007); Pepsi On Stage, Porto Alegre, Brazil (October 4, 2012)

Imaginary [Origin lyrics 2012][note 4]

  • Performing period: October 7 and October 11, 2012
  • Status: Unreleased
  • Example: Chevrolet Hall, Recife, Brazil (October 11, 2012)

Imaginary [Acoustic]

  • Performing date: January 13, 2003
  • Status: Unreleased
  • Length: approximately 3:55

Imaginary [Synthesis Live]

  • Performing period: October 14, 2017 - September 8, 2018
  • Status: To be released October 12, 2018
  • Recording date: November 3, 2017
  • Released on: Synthesis Live (track #9)
  • Length: 5:47

Download

Lyrics

Fallen, Mystary and Fallen pre-master versions

Aaah... Paper flowers
Aaah... Paper flowers

I linger in the doorway
Of alarm clock screaming monsters calling my name
Let me stay
Where the wind will whisper to me
Where the raindrops as they're falling tell a story

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby [paper flowers]
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me [paper flowers]

Don't say I'm out of touch
With this rampant chaos, your reality
I know well what lies beyond my sleeping refuge
The nightmare I built my own world to escape

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby [paper flowers]
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me [paper flowers]

Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming
Cannot cease for the fear of silent nights
Oh, how I long for the deep sleep dreaming
The goddess of imaginary light

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby [paper flowers]
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me [paper flowers]

Aaah... Paper flowers
Aaah... Paper flowers

Origin version

Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming
Cannot cease for the fear of silent nights
Oh, how I long for the deep sleep dreaming
The goddess of imaginary light

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby [paper flowers]
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me [paper flowers]

I linger in the doorway
Of alarm clock screaming monsters calling my name
Let me stay
Where the wind will whisper to me
Where the raindrops as they're falling tell a story

If you need to leave the world you live in
Lay your head down and stay a while [paper flowers]
Though you may not remember dreaming
Something waits for you to breathe again [paper flowers]

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby [paper flowers]
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me [paper flowers]

EP version

Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming
Cannot cease for the fear of silent nights
Oh, how I long for the deep sleep dreaming
The goddess of imaginary light

In my field of paper flowers
And candy cloulds of lullabies [flowers]
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me [flowers]

I linger in the doorway
Of alarm clocks screaming monsters calling my name
Let me stay
Where the wind will whisper to me
Where the raindrops as they're falling tell a story

If you need to leave the world you live in
Lay your head down and stay a while [flowers]
Though you may not remember dreaming
Something waits for you to breathe again [flowers]

Demo version #1

Aaah... Paper flowers
Aaah... Paper flowers

I linger in the doorway
Of alarm clock screaming monsters calling my name
Let me stay
Where the wind will whisper to me
Where the raindrops as they're falling tell a story

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby [paper flowers]
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me [paper flowers]

Don't say I'm out of touch
With this rampant chaos, your reality
I know well what lies beyond my sleeping refuge
The nightmare I built my own world to escape

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby [paper flowers]
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me [paper flowers]

You can lead the world you live in 'cause inside
You may not remember
But something waits for you to breathe again

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby [paper flowers]
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me [paper flowers]

Demo version #2

I linger in the doorway
Of alarm clock screaming monsters calling my name
Let me stay
Where the wind will whisper to me
Where the raindrops as they’re falling tell a story

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby [paper flowers]
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me [paper flowers]

Don't say I'm out of touch
With this rampant chaos, your reality
I know well what lies beyond my sleeping refuge
The nightmare I built my own world to escape

If you need to leave the world you live in
Lay your head down and stay a while [paper flowers]
Though you may not remember dreaming
Something waits for you to breathe again [paper flowers]

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby [paper flowers]
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me [paper flowers]

Acoustic version

Aaah... Paper flowers

I linger in the doorway
Of alarm clock screaming monsters calling my name
Let me stay
Where the wind will whisper to me
Where the raindrops as they're falling tell a story

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me

Don't say I'm out of touch
With this rampant chaos, your reality
I know well what lies beyond my sleeping refuge
The nightmare I built my own world to escape

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me

Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming
Cannot cease for the fear of silent nights
Oh, how I long for the deep sleep dreaming
The goddess of imaginary light

If you need to leave the world you live in
Lay your head down and stay a while
Though you may not remember dreaming
Something waits for you to breathe again

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me

Synthesis version

I linger in the doorway
Of alarm clock screaming monsters calling my name
Let me stay where the wind will whisper to me
Where the raindrops as they’re falling tell a story

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me

Don’t say I’m out of touch
With this rampant chaos, your reality
I know well what lies beyond my sleeping refuge
The nightmare I built my own world to escape

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me

Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming
Cannot cease for the fear of silent nights
Oh how I long for the deep sleep dreaming
The goddess of imaginary light

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me

In my field of paper flowers
And candy clouds of lullaby
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me

Aaah... Paper flowers
Aaah... Paper flowers

Spain Radio Promo

"Imaginary"
Single by Evanescence
from the album Fallen
Released 2003
Format CD single
Evanescence singles chronology
"My Immortal"
(2003)
"Imaginary"
(2003)
"Everybody's Fool"
(2004)

"Imaginary" was released in Spain as a very limited edition radio promo single, under the Sony label, in October 2003.

It features an one-track CD inserted in a black cardsleeve with a cover image that belongs to the same photoshoot of "Everybody's Fool" single. It is the rarest non-WUJC single ever released by the band and, for sure, the most valuable one. Online auctions usually reach more than $250 and very few copies have been seen in the past years. Most of them are still in near-mint condition due to the fact they have been stocked all along within Spanish radio stations warehouses.

Imaginary [Live in Cologne (in 2003)] was shown on Spanish Music TV at the same time as "Imaginary" had airplay in Spain.

Promo single

Status: Out of Print
Label: Sony BMG
Cat.no: 281003

Around 50-100 of these discs exist. Sightings are very rare. Catalog No. 281003.

  1. Imaginary [Album version] (4:16)

Guitar tabs & sheet music

Notes

  1. This is the same as the Fallen version.
  2. This track is the same as the Fallen version with the string outro from "Tourniquet" in the beginning.
  3. This live version has some minor additions, like the guitars and the drums playing during the bridge, where normally there is only the piano playing. Also, Amy plays on a keyboard the piano part of the bridge, while the earlier live versions had this part pre-recorded and playbacked. Also, the guitars often faded out to the piano intro of "Bring Me to Life".
  4. This live version has lyrics from earlier versions of "Imaginary": "If you need to leave the world you live in/Lay your head down and stay a while/Though you may not remember dreaming/Something waits for you to breathe again".

References

  1. Wiederhorn, Jon (December 23, 2003). "Evanescence Soldier On Without Ben Moody, Look Forward To Recording". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1483876/evanescence-soldier-on-without-ben-moody.jhtml. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
  2. Reeseman, Bryan (August 1, 2003). "Evanescence". Mixonline. https://www.mixonline.com/recording/evanescence-365108. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
  3. D'Angelo, Joe (July 23, 2004). "Evanescence Show No Signs Of Slowing Down At New York Show". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489662/evanescence-energetic-live.jhtml. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  4. Smith, Kenneth (October 31, 2007). "Concert review: Evanescence at Nokia Theater". Pegasus News. http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2007/oct/31/evanescence-nokia-theater/. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  5. Fox, Doug (November 20, 2007). "Evanescence steps through 'Open Door' at UVSC". Daily Herald. http://www.heraldextra.com/lifestyles/evanescence-steps-through-open-door-at-uvsc/article_84ee1660-7e30-5796-956a-c10ecd888170.html. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  6. "Evanescence Returns To Live Stage, Taps Finger Eleven Guitarist". Blabbermouth.net. November 5, 2009. http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/evanescence-returns-to-live-stage-taps-finger-eleven-guitarist. Retrieved August 3, 2013.
  7. 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 22, 2013.
  8. Finatto, Paulo, Jr. (October 10, 2012). "Resenha - Evanescence (Pepsi on Stage, Porto Alegre, 04/10/12)" (in Spanish). Whiplash.net. http://whiplash.net/materias/shows/165121-evanescence.html. Retrieved October 22, 2013.