I'm glad you got to "Song Of Myself", the favorite Nightwish song of the late Ann Waychoff, an elderly lady from Pennsylvania who dedicated the last years of her life to promoting the music of Nightwish, the band she loved. She welcomes the new reactors with a short history of the band (which I took over on her behalf, when Ann was hospitalized). She often recommends this song for a future reaction, along with some words of encouragement. With her tact and diplomacy, Ann left an indelible memory for many of us, being a bridge of communication between the various groups of fans who often came into conflict. Returning to the reaction: you noticed well, several of their songs were mentioned: "A catnap in the ghost town of my heart / She dreams of storytime and the river ghosts / Of mermaids, of Whitman's and the ride / Raving harlequins, gigantic toys" = Storytime, Ghost River and Turn Loose The Mermaids, respectively "What is left for encore / Is the same old dead boy's song / Sung in silence" = Dead Boy's Poem. Your comment at 8:39, when you listened to Emppu's guitar note twice with your eyes closed, made me smile. If you had opened your eyes, you would have seen Emppu thirstily sipping a beer held with one hand, while holding the note with the other :)))))))) - that's how high their professionalism is in mastering their instruments . For me personally, this song describes a state of depression observed / lived hyperconsciously: "All that great heart lying still / In silent suffering / Smiling like a clown until the show has come to an end" and "All that great heart lying still and slowly dying / All that great heart lying still on an angelwing". The state of hyperconscious contemplation of reality, the mark of genius. As homework :) I recommend you also listen to the studio version of this song, recorded with Anette Olzon, which also contains a poem called "Love" at the end performed by the band members and their families. You won't regret it, I promise. For you there is no (anymore) mandatory order of the songs, Red, because you already understand that all their songs are important.

R.I.P Ann Waychoff - your favorite is on the air again... And yes "Nightwish - Dead Boy's Poem - Live In Buenos Aires 2018 - Decades Tour" is worth watching.

This song forever reminds us at Ann Carone Diamond Waychoff, well known as the mother of the Nightwish Army . She sadly left us 4 years ago. It was her favorite song. R.I.P. Ann....we will never forget you. And Thank You Gabriel Bardac for carrying on the flame that Ann ignited.

Dead boy s poema is a song by nightwish and also great

Nightwish Army Italian Division here to remember Ann Waychoff mother of Nightwish family 🙏

Love the guitar note you liked while Empuu casually takes a sip of beer.

RIP Ann, we miss you, mother of Nightwish Army 🙏

Nightwish don't do songs. They create fantastical stories and fables from complex music compositions. Love your insight into this complex but amazing song

You'll hear "Dead Boy" a lot in Tuomas'lyrics when he's refrencing himself even in a roundabout way. The song it comes from first is Dead Boy's Poem, which is Tuomas writing about how he would want to be eulogized. Floor does an amazing rendition of it in Buenos Aires, 2018. Bring your tissues.

“And There, Forever Remains the Change From G to E minor…”🤘

There's no such thing as a wrong song with Nightwish. Each of us have our own favourites but most of us like them all. Best wishes from an 84 years of age, Aussie.

For Ann , R.i.p. dear , you still in our hearts, Ann Waychoff, mother of Nightwish army❤

Song Of Myself had to grow on me. Now it is my absolute favorite song.

I call this the most popular band no one has heard of. This is my top 3 favorite song. I love the orchestral/symphonic, choral heaviness of this. The beat breakdown and Floor's sneaky walk to the mic is the cherry on top..lol

Oh just keep going. You still haven't even scratched the surface.

Floor knocks this one out of the park. Song of Myself, one of my favs. It has an edge coupled with "sometimes within is piano black piano black over pristine waters" - are you kidding me? Takes me back to my navigation days on a US Destroyer, calm seas, 1,500 miles to nearest land, 2 am, moonless night, homesick, looking at the same sky Columbus, Magellan, Drake and others observed trying to make their way. If that isn't "sometimes within is piano black piano black over pristine waters" I don't know what is. That line and my minds eye of that sky will be with me forever.

Nightwish = Art Music This Band Is In Another Level.

In memory of Ann Waychoff. Nightwish Army will never forget her

Tuomas often refers to himself as 'Dead Boy' in his lyrics, and there is a Nightwish song called 'Dead Boy's Poem'. A rather sad song

So you like songs with transitions? Then you had better strap-in when you finally listen to the greatest show on earth! It is magnificent!

Before Gabriel there was Ann Waychoff, the late, great General-mother-superior of the Nightwish Army. This was her favourite song. RIP Ann.

Dead Boy's Poem from their Buenos Aires concert is quite brilliant and showcases an entirely different side to the band, particularly Floor's singing. It is the suicide letter Tuomas might have written as a child, and the entire band treats it with huge respect. It is an absolute must-see.

The Nightwish army has been been doing this for a very long time to make sure that everyone gets a chance to hear them. It seems to be working 😁 It's nice to know that I'm not the only one that describes music as "textures".

This is the EUROPEAN. Style of making great music. IT’S THE SOUND MILLION YEARS OF CULTURE.

One of the best Nightwish-songs. This was what I needed to my thursday evening. Thank you for doing this. Great reaction. Greetings from Nightwish Army Finland.

Keyboard player/songwriter Tuomas Holopainen from Nightwish is working in the Angel Studios in London, on the orchestrations Besides the immense orchestrations an outstanding children’s choir is involved. We hear it back song/singimg (underscore) Love from Finlnd🇫🇮

Sending love to Ann 💔 We still miss you, our "former General". Bless Gabriel for having the bravery and LOVE, to "keep her spirit going" ❤; as our new General 😘 Keep the reactions going, sweet "Redhead" 🥰

Both Marco and Floor have strong voices and for the first time Marco does not need to hold back .....He said . Greetings from nwAse Sweden

Watching your reactions to Nightwish is like reliving my reactions when I 1st heard them and ventured down the rabbit hole.

A princess and a panther by my siiiiiide !! 🤘🏼💥🤘🏼

Tuomas purposefully puts easter eggs in many of his songs, meaning he will mention things like Deadboy, which is one of the things he refers to himself as. He also refers to himself as Ocean Soul, the Poet, the songwriter. He also makes references in some songs to other songs. Every Nightwish song is a new story or journey.

I cannot think of anything sexier than a beautiful woman wedding a Star Trek TNG shirt listening to Nightwish. Like seriously, checking all the boxes. 😂❤

There has not been and there is nothing like Nightwish and Floor ,simply the best

One of my fav NW songs. The lyrics are astounding.

"This is a long song," she commented, not realizing that over half the song had been clipped off for the live concert... pensive and poetic, the song of myself becomes the impressionistic painting of others in broad strokes... the perfume with a deafening smell, the color of love, and the final change from D major to E minor, uniting us all.

Nightwish Army south Brittany France reporting. RIP Ann

R.I.P Ann Waychoff mother of the Nightwish Army. June 28th, 2020 . Ann was a big Nightwish Fan. And every new person who listened to NW, she went through a little chat. And gave them some info about NW. This was her favorite song. And this song belongs to her. I like very much that Gabriel have continue Ann s work.... so her heritage is still here.

Here we go Ann , for you 🧚‍♀️💖💖

Nightwish is as authentic as You are!!!

That beam of light guitar sound is the power of amplifier feedback! Good catch on the great use of that sound.

I'd say the exact order doesn't matter so much but I'd hold off on the Poet and the Pendulum and the Greatest Show on Earth for now. They are also the longest songs but they're worth the wait. Song of myself is one of my favourite songs by Nightwish, so I'm glad you picked it for today 😊

Good one.

Thank for your reaction! 🙂👍 memory of To Ann Waychoff ❤🕯... missing her

These riffs are totally my thing.

"Poetry from Old School Days". You hit the nail on the head. Tuomas took most of the lyrics from the lengthy poem 'Song of Myself' That was written by Walt Whiteman, Poet Lauret of the USA. That was continually re-editted over 37 years, until his death 1855-First edition of Leaves of Grass published 1881-Song of Myself rearranged and expanded in final edition of Leaves of Grass 1891-Song of Myself published in Deathbed Edition of Leaves of Grass 1892-Walt Whitman dies and is buried in Camden, New Jersey

Hi Red No 2 in my favourites list. Marco is superb - I love his second entry (the rising gliss) so much I extracted it and have it as my ringtone. Favourite parts: Piano Black , and particularly the best description of depression I've heard - "sometimes the within is piano black". Piano black - that deep glossy black that almost evades the eye. Emppu holding that long note one-handed as he drinks a Corona. The unexpected pauses (rests) towards the end, particularly, in this performance, when Floor turns her hands upwards and the flames seem to come from her palms. Great chuggy rhythms in the breakdown. Little pizzicato string sections in the run-up to that ending. At the end the lead vocals use the same lyrics as the choir are singing in the earlier parts - "All that great heart lying still and slowly dying All that great heart lying still on an angelwing". That lyric is perfect for the staccato rhythm. ...and lots more There is no "order". Gabriel's list is a guidewith some info on style, not a prescribedjourney. Do them in any order, add many that are missing g, whatever you like. Jukka is a showman!

Great choice! This is my favorite performance from this fantastic concert, and one of my favorites overall. You're right, it's very dramatic. 🎭 Hope you're feeling better. 🤟

“ Dead Boy’s Poem” (2018 Buenos Aires) is without a doubt the best song to continue your journey with. And yes, there are more songs recommended within the lyrics, like: “Ghost River” (WOA festival 2013). Although only 3 parts are performed live, the original Song of Myself is consisting 4 parts. Part IV is more than a poet, but less suitable for live performances. The observant viewer has probably noticed that the lyrics of that special Part IV could be read on the video screen behind the band during their performance.

Glad to hear you are getting better. Another wonderful reaction, thank you. You face lights up when you describe what you are hearing/seeing so beautifully. Keep these reactions going please.

Listen the poets to Ann in in this song. And thanks for your smile that makes Nightwish army smile also ❤️

My favorite Nightwish song!

Great reaction!! Thanks for share your reactions with us,!!

0:30 Yes indeed, the richness & layering of their compositions plus NW's impressive stage shows, squared with Floor's gargantuan stage presence may provide a challenge for the analytically inclined & even threaten to tear the different parts of your brain asunder! Great catch btw, with that soaring Emppu note there (while he's taking a sip!). So you desperately need some "corpus callosum work-out", to re-integrate all of the sensory input ;) I suggest you take extensive drum clinics with Kai Hahto, who I can tell by his style of drumming is an ambidexter (a orig. lefty with a huuuuge corpus callosum). Cheers from Amsterdam! 🤘 EDIT: oh and I love that shirt (reminds me of the Ayreon concert).

You randomly stumbled upon my favorite song! Pick any song, in any order, you won't be disappointed!

Love it!!!

One of my favorites❣️

Amazing song and just love the geniusnesnes and imagineurumnes of the end section! ❤❤❤

R.I.P Ann Waychoff mother of the Nightwish Army. June 28th, 2020 This is your song. If you ever have to explain the Groove in Metal to someone - play this tune. Until the Breakdown hits you with a 10 ton hammer it is all fun and games. But then the slow chugging monster with the machine gun riffing takes over. And for every Metal Head this lights up the day. Awesome….Imho one of the best songs ever. Sometimes the sky is piano black…. Floor Jansen, First of Her Name, Queen of the Valkyries and Stonehenge, Lady of Nightwish and Protector of our Metal Realm. Long may she reign. Bow, mortal !

It is A Tribute to the poem in 52 chapters, One for every week of the year, " Song of myself " by Walt Whitman 1819-1892.(one of the co-founders of US poetry). The 7th line of the song is ""Of mermaids, of Whitman's and the Ride""". The extended official studio version of this song has, at the end, a poem as a tribute to Whitman made by Tuomas, the keyboard player and the mastermind of nightwish. These lines you can also see fast flahing on the ledscreen of the video you just saw. Bucle up, it goes very deep. " I see a slow, simple youngster by a busy street With a begging bowl in his shaking hand Trying to smile but hurting infinitely Nobody notices I do, but walk by An old man gets naked and kisses a model-doll in his attic It's half-light and he's in tears When he finally comes his eyes are cascading I see a beaten dog in a pungent alley He tries to bite me All pride has left his wild drooling eyes I wish I had my leg to spare A mother visits her son, Smiles to him through the bars She's never loved him more An obese girl enters an elevator with me All dressed up fancy A green butterfly on her neck Terribly sweet perfume deafens me She's going to dinner alone That makes her even more beautiful I see a model's face on a brick wall A statue of porcelain perfection beside a violent city kill A city that worships flesh The first thing I ever heard Was a wandering man telling his story It was you, the grass under my bare feet The campfire in the dead of the night The heavenly black of sky and sea It was us Roaming the rainy roads Combing the gilded beaches Waking up to a new gallery of wonders every morn Bathing in places no-one's seen before Shipwrecked on some matt-painted island Clad in nothing but the surf Beauty's finest robe Beyond all mortality we are Swinging in the breath of nature In early air of the dawn of life A sight to silence the heavens I want to travel where life travels Following its permanent lead Where the air tastes like snow music Where grass smells like fresh-born Eden I would pass no man, no stranger, no tragedy or rapture I would bathe in a world of sensation Love, Goodness, and Simplicity (While violated and imprisoned by technology) The thought of my family's graves was the only moment I used to experience true love That love remains infinite As I'll never be the man my father is How can you "just be yourself" When you don't know who you are? Stop saying "I know how you feel" How could anyone know how another feels? Who am I to judge a priest, beggar, whore, politician, wrongdoer? I am, you are, all of them already Dear child, stop working, go play Forget every rule There's no fear in a dream "Is there a village inside this snowflake?" A child asked me "What's the color of our lullaby?" I've never been so close to truth as then I touched its silver lining Death is the winner in any war Nothing noble in dying for your religion For your country For ideology, for faith For another man, yes Paper is dead without words Ink idle without a poem All the world dead without stories Without love and disarming beauty Careless realism costs souls Ever seen the Lord smile? All the care for the world made Beautiful a sad man? Why do we still carry a device of torture around our necks? Oh, how rotten your pre-apocalypse is All you bible-black fools living over nightmare ground I see all those empty cradles and wonder If man will ever change I, too, wish to be a decent manboy But all I am Is smoke and mirrors Still given everything, may I be deservin And there forever remains That change from G to E minor. "

UK Army popping in. RIP Anne

This Tuomas' Nightwish song has been so heart healing for me. These lyrics, melody, Jukka's drumming and his style, of course Floor, and Marko's singing. That Emppu's guitar I love that. Edit: I love Jukka's drumming and I always remember mention him. He played drums until 2015 he had to stop music and tours because of bad imsomnia. He's still at Nightwish business. The current Nightwish drummer is Kai Hahto, very professional and so good drummer. But I miss Jukka. Tuomas said in one interview that a one person asked him don't you write songs that heal heart. Well he has done that.

I really like seeing fan's singing all the song's from memory with the band. It's so heart warming to see.

No need to worry about going ‘off script’. Every Nightwish song is an epic. Great choice and a great reaction. Keep up the good work. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺🤘

May I suggest "I Want My Tears Back" next? Live in Argentina, Floor and the crowd really have a great time in that one.

Nightwish is making art. There will be songs which lyrics or music make you feel a bit un easy, until you respect it as art. Like any art, Tuomas has been creating these songs to make you think of the meaning. Tuomas very rarely give any explanations, what the particular song’s story actually is, or why he wrote it, but there is always a meaning, or bigger picture why that song was made. It is our own choise of our mind, what we are discovering from these songs 🙂

Vocals are main intsrument here🖤.

In my top 5 .... " Sometimes the within , is Piano Black " RIP ANN

Greatest show on earth. Will be your deciding moment of their greatness. Also Shoemaker. Not the same upbeat tempo as you are used to, but quite astonishing. . The beginning of the earth to our present time in the Greatest show on earth. They have a connection to their fans and audience like no other group. Shoemaker is about the only man to have his ashes spread on the moon.You are correct when you say the words to their songs have meaning. Thanks c for your precise and honest reviews. PLEASE. Check out gteatest show on earth. The story is unique.

This song is original sung by Annette ,and at the end of the song there's a poem where all the band members speak, as also they mentioned all song titles during a lot of their songs, that's fun,been loving your reactions,rock on👍🤘🎵🎵🎶

Nightwish has a lot of transmission in it, you will find out in your nightwish-journey.

When you talked about the guitar coming up like a beam of light - Emppu was holding that note as he took a drink of his Corona beer, lol. I love that guy!!

Great reaction as always, and you have a really good ear for detail, you notice things that most don't - keep up the good work, we're loving it 🤘

I am glad to see some reactions remembering Ann Waychoff, the mother of the Nightwish Army, but still the song is only half the song because when you listen to her version and the official one from The Imaginaerum album it is about 13 and a half minute long including the spoken part at the end, which is wearth listening to.

One of my favourites.

Their music once was described as „a flower on a battlefield“

symphonic Metal, Broadway show production... Marko!

Great reaction I am enjoying your reaction style, this is one of my favourites….but then they all are! 😊😊😊

This song is for You Ann (mother of Nightwish Army) R.I.P 🤘😔🤘 Your flame and passion lives on in Us 🤘🔥🤘. Ann Waychoff was known by many as the Nightwish Mom. She would give comments to people who reacted to Nightwish videos to try and help the reactors understand and she would tirelessly exchange comments with people who wanted to know more. She also communicated privately with a large number of fans and reactors (we know now from the tributes.). kzfaq.info?search_query=ann+waychoff will show how many knew her and how many liked her enough to spend hours making videos about her/dedicated to her. For me this song has some serious Pantera vibes 🤘🔥🤘. Pure fire and great song!!! NWSU/FloorFan.

Great masterpiece Fantastic reaction Original 13 minutes long You can find extended version on KZfaq Nightwish and Epica They are top notch of the game Especially live It's life experience 🔥

This really is one of my favourite NW songs for many reasons. I really enjoy you describe your feelings and reactions to these videos! Thank you!

Follow whatever order you wish! We'll be there. FYI, this amazing song followed immediately after Ghost Love Score in the Wacken setlist. Simply amazing. Also, on the Imaginaerum album, it includes an incredibly powerful spoken word 'coda'. That album is my favorite to listen to front to back. A masterpiece. It would also be a good introduction to Anette's contribution to the band. Thanks!

The best band& a true goddess of metal truly sent down from Valhalla by Odin Damb what a voice

One of the best performance ever for me. Love it. Don't forget Dead boys poem I suggested in your request. It will fit your personality really well. 😊

05:30 in the morning in Austria 🤟 i am with u 🤟

Thanks

Great reaction and love your t-shirt!

Nice Reaction! For some reason Nightwish has never been able to break through in the U.S. I have seen some on here say it is the U.S. Record Labels and Rock Radio that have done it. In 2023 they were going to South America and they only did 6 shows in the U.S and none of those were very big venues. Boggles the Mind!

This is my favorite of theirs. The headbanging breakdown always gets me wherever I am, whether it be in the car, at my desk in the office, or watching on my home theater screen. I also noticed your shirt - love Data. Next to Q, he is my favorite TNG character.

My favorite Nightwish song ! Try to listen to the full track with the poem.

Probably my favorite song performance at the incredible Wacken 2013 show. Dark, crunchy, mysterious. 🔥 Deep, personal lyrics. That was the second to last song, right after Ghost Love Score, and before Last Ride of the Day. You will find that Tuomas often references other song’s titles and lyrics in other songs. There were a few in this one. Keep exploring Nightwish! -NWArmy Texas

Hi "Neighbor", No,the other song you tried to remember is "Dead boy's poëm,live in Buenos aires", and it is really a must to see, keep tisues ready.😉🤘

Hi there lovely, Thank you for this beautiful reaction. Always nice to see someone enjoying the Nightwish journey. By the way, nice shirt with Lt. Cmdr Data. 🙂

There is a lot to unpack in that song - and even more in the extended spoken section. I've listened to it many, many times in the last few years and I'm still trying to unpack it! I've seen nothing like what this band does - not even close.

You are living out your deepest wishes and fantasies in a safe manner, vicariously. You enjoy hearing Floor @ay and act in a way that is so far removed from the hum drum everyday world....

someone else already mentioned it in the comments... but Dead Boy's Poem is one I think you'd really enjoy... that should be next on the hit list for NW! The live version from their Buenos Aires show is best...

19K! ❤❤

Valladolid (Spain) Nightwish Army Unit #1 reporting. Sadly missing her. Gearing up this as if it was the first time... Will add edit when watched (paused to comment at about thirty seconds) Edit. Too much to say (long day); but I loved your work, as usual. Your face at "sometimes the within..." was priceless. Keep them coming. Big love from Spain

Floorgasm! RIP Anne

The Poet and the Pendulum is at another level. That's all I'll say at rhe moment. If you liked Song of Myself, and its mystic intensity and emotional transitions, you'll need some spare tissues for TPATP.

I love how they almost go quiet and then wham back to the hardest rock!! If they ever make a Leif Erickson movie this has to be the background music for a battle scene 💣💣💣Like you I like the transitions between hardness and speed and depth Red still waiting to watch you headbang 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘#troydonockley #kaihato #metal #nightwish #reaction #redheadedneighbor #bestreactor #beautufulcountrygirl Glad you are feeling better ❣❣❣