The Raven (1845) - Edgar Allan Poe (Dramatic Song - Gothic Rock/Post-Punk)

Verse 1 (Singer) Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door— Spoken (Singer) "’Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more." (Distorted guitar riff fades in) Verse 2 (Singer) Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December; And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless here for evermore. Chorus (Singer) (Keyboard creates a chilling soundscape) And the silken, sad uncertain rustling of each velvet curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating, "’Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door— Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door— This it is and nothing more." (Drums enter with a slow, building rhythm) Verse 3 (Singer) Presently my soul grew stronger; hesit Verse 3 (Singer) Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer, "Sir," said I, "or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore; But the lateness of the hour, and blackness of the storm compels me thus to query it affords Nevermore." (Sound effect: Raven croaking "Nevermore") Spoken (Singer) Startled at the stillness broken by the sullen word unspoken, For so distinctly there came out the whispered “Nevermore!” Verse 4 (Singer) Though the answer fitted nothing, yet it startled my strong beating And the stillness in the chamber seemed to repeat “Nevermore!” And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door; And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming, And the lamp-light o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; Chorus (Singer) (Guitar shifts to a clean, melancholic tone) And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted—nevermore! (Sound effect: Raven croaking "Nevermore" - fades out slowly with all instruments except vocals) Outro (Singer - a cappella) Nevermore... Nevermore...