God, this woman is transcendent. There are countless versions of this song on youtube of singers taking the easy, sentimental way out without approaching the anger or confusion or desperation underlying these verses, but she gets it. Ms. Peters performs every single song like it's the last time she might sing it, and she puts everything into them. One thing I don't get though, is why no one sings the preceding verses of this song. Cutting them is like removing the entire narrative arc of the piece and takes away a great deal of its meaning and feeling.
Well said, Elizabeth. I couldn't agree more. Ms. Peters is FABULOUS. (I can say that as I am gay.) Still love Ms. Peters, tho. Bless you and bless her voice. Has she ever been in "Company"?
Felt like she was at the top of her range for the last third of the song. Pitchy and perhaps not in good voice that day. Maybe this is how she usually sounds.
Agreed this wonderful woman of brodway fame has been such an impactful part of this year as she never fails to make me feel like life is worth every twist and turn it makes me feel like that life has its moments but when stuff like this happens to be the norm nowadays it just shocks me how she has lifted my spirits up and she's responsible for makeing this year worth living for yes it hasn't been the best but thiers always tomorrow I guess what I'm trying to say is hopefully next year will be better then this year besides the things that happend to be related to scooby sesame street looney tunes tiny tunes and animaniacs as well as rock sugar and finding nem and finding dory as well as the enchanted tiki room and of course the lovely and divine ms Bernadette peters herself annything that wasint related to those things that I just mentioned made me feel more miserable about this year but unlike those things that made me miserable this things that I just listened off especially animaniacs looney tunes tiny tunes rock sugar Bernadette peters finding dory and finding nemo and the enchanted tiki room really made me feel like a kid agian so while this year wasn't the best those four things as well as scooby and sesame street will always make me feel great about this utter crapshoot of a year
SO sad -- REST in peace Stephen Sondheim-- your talents for creating masterpieces like BEING ALIVE was just unbelievable! thank you for all you gave us!
I’m sobbing…thank you mr.Sondheim. Thank you. I don’t have words to describe my gratitude for your gifts to this world. So I’m here, crying to this video. Thank you.
Bernadette is a GODESS!! She makes me cry when she sings. The song is ripped from her soul and she shares it with us. Utterly unique artist. No wonder Mr Sondheim loved her work so much.
Discovered Bernadette Peters as a singer tonight. Such a beautiful woman and voice. This the fifth song I've listened to by her this evening. Loving her.
Me too. But it's not like a sad-crying, it's a moving-crying. And after listening to it for so many times, I got over my fear of commitment and started dating again and subsequently fell in love. Thank you, Mr. Sondheim and Ms. Peters.
This version is for a solo performance and it builds perfectly. The other verses are better understood in the play. What a fantastic song. I love her performance!!!❤
Someone to hold me too close. Someone to hurt me too deep. Someone to sit in my chair, And ruin my sleep, And make me aware, Of being alive. Being alive. Somebody need me too much. Somebody know me too well. Somebody pull me up short, And put me through hell, And give me support, For being alive. Make me alive. Make me alive. Make me confused. Mock me with praise. Let me be used. Vary my days. But alone, Is alone, Not alive. Somebody crowd me with love. Somebody force me to care. Somebody let me come through, I'll always be there, As frightened as you, To help us survive, Being alive. Being alive. Being alive!
BERNADETTE PETERS! WOW! Bernadette has a great voice and sings with incredible passion! She makes me believe that she is singing about her own life. So she really makes the song her own and mine! I also like Bernadette's version of "Not a day goes by." I suggest everyone check that one out as well. Bravo Bernadette! Great performance!
Ladies and Gentlemen, you have just witnessed Broadway Royalty... It does not matter if you think someone else sang this song or any other song better, she has earned her way to the top of the list of Broadway Performers. It is an honor to hear her sing any song, no matter what show she is in, she brings her best to EVERY performance.... She is a Gift
I think this is the female cover of this song I prefer the most , I’ve watched Patti but I don’t know maybe it’s just me but as beautifully as she sings it she doesn’t really convey the conflict and the pain and the excitement this song gives me , while Bernadette really gets me teary each time I hear it from her
Oh, Company.... my favorite musical, and not just because you happen to mirror my life and the songs are just there... but it just has a whole deeper line to it... About life. And you, Peters, just rock this song hard
@TBon3Supl3x Yes I'd have to say I agree :) Good to see people still appreciate theatre and "real artists" who perform on stage LIVE!! Anybody can do a million "takes" but on stage there are no do-overs it's so much more orchestrated and yet passionate at the same time. Nothing like theatre!!
All I can say is WOW. She took this song -- and I know it well and have sung it myself and heard other excellent singers sing it -- somewhere I've never seen it go. BRAVA.
I always liked Bernadette. But I only saw her perform on television. Then, one year I saw her in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN on Broadway in NYC. And, when she's live on stage, and you're in the audience, she is just magical! Ever since then I've just been totally nuts about her!
I made a wish once upon a time.... He certainly made me confused and made me feel used. But it's a hopeful song when you've become numb... always loved these part of the lyrics Somebody crowd me with love Somebody force me to care Somebody make me come thru I'll always be there Frightened as you to help us survive.
my musical theatre idol forever when i finally win my tony after years of hard work and dedication i'll be thinking of bernadette peters truly an inspiration
Niitep, she's only won at least 3 Tony's, is one of the most beloved Braodway stars ever, and has a way with a song second to none. The wondrous Bernadette Peters, and a damn good actress too.
or maybe teenagers have a love for great theater goddesses as the ones you listed and have loved broadway music but also happen to enjoy the modern covers that glee provides. i am personally here because i love bernadette peters but im kinda tired of people assuming teenagers dont have a love for broadway like older people do like why do you care why there here obviously they love the music
Dear EricMChicago, I truly thank you for these videos. I found this video because this song came up on my Pandora radio thing, and I was in the mood for hearing it, and just watching this, I can't help but smile. You can just see how much Bernadette enjoys doing this, and you see how much emotion is in this. Its great! I love her. Soo yeah. Grassyass for uploading this [:
Someone to hold me too close Someone to hurt me too deep. Someone to sit in my chair, And ruin my sleep, And make me aware, Of being alive. Being alive. Somebody need me too much. Somebody know me too well. Somebody pull me up short, And put me through hell, And give me support, For being alive. Make me alive. Make me alive. Make me confused. Mock me with praise. Let me be used. Vary my days. But alone, Is alone, Not alive. Somebody crowd me with love. Somebody force me to care. Somebody let me come through, I'll always be there, As frightened as you, To help us survive, Being alive. Being alive. Being alive!
@kikay2493 I agree. I love LuPone more than chocolate, but Bernadette definitely corners the market on this song in my opinion. Her raw vocal quality just sends the song to where it needs to be. Raw, unsophisticated, and beautiful. So accessible.
A brilliant, moving, and emotionally complex song, one that is simultaneously the finale and turning point of one of the best of all musicals, now done as a feel-good anthem complete with lyric changes to add to the upliftiness. Given that it's Bernadette Peters I guess Sondheim approved, but... yech.
@TBon3Supl3x I saw her twice in "A Little Night Music" in 2010, and her voice was absolutely gorgeous. It was strong, clear and beautiful. And her abilities to deliver Sondheim's lyrics continue to amaze. She's not known as the premier Sondheim interpreter for nothing. Can't wait to see her in "Follies".
God, this woman is transcendent. There are countless versions of this song on youtube of singers taking the easy, sentimental way out without approaching the anger or confusion or desperation underlying these verses, but she gets it. Ms. Peters performs every single song like it's the last time she might sing it, and she puts everything into them. One thing I don't get though, is why no one sings the preceding verses of this song. Cutting them is like removing the entire narrative arc of the piece and takes away a great deal of its meaning and feeling.
Well said, Elizabeth. I couldn't agree more. Ms. Peters is FABULOUS. (I can say that as I am gay.) Still love Ms. Peters, tho. Bless you and bless her voice. Has she ever been in "Company"?
I couldn't have said it better!! Thanks, Elizabeth!!!
Spot on analysis!
The only other version I like is Barbra Streisand
Felt like she was at the top of her range for the last third of the song. Pitchy and perhaps not in good voice that day. Maybe this is how she usually sounds.
I don't care what anyone attempts to argue...Bernadette Peters IS the ultimate Sondheim singer
I am still shocked they didn't cast her as the witch in the film version of Into the Woods. Such an insult to Miss Peters....
ABSOLUTELY!!! I'm 68 yrs old and Miss Peters NEVER fails to entertain!! What a voice!!! Only wish I could see her in concert!!
Ok but what about Patti Lupone😳 i think they r neck and neck in my book.
@@mrstarrynite7656 i just thumbs down on behalf of Patti. Lol j/k. They are both amazing.
Agreed this wonderful woman of brodway fame has been such an impactful part of this year as she never fails to make me feel like life is worth every twist and turn it makes me feel like that life has its moments but when stuff like this happens to be the norm nowadays it just shocks me how she has lifted my spirits up and she's responsible for makeing this year worth living for yes it hasn't been the best but thiers always tomorrow I guess what I'm trying to say is hopefully next year will be better then this year besides the things that happend to be related to scooby sesame street looney tunes tiny tunes and animaniacs as well as rock sugar and finding nem and finding dory as well as the enchanted tiki room and of course the lovely and divine ms Bernadette peters herself annything that wasint related to those things that I just mentioned made me feel more miserable about this year but unlike those things that made me miserable this things that I just listened off especially animaniacs looney tunes tiny tunes rock sugar Bernadette peters finding dory and finding nemo and the enchanted tiki room really made me feel like a kid agian so while this year wasn't the best those four things as well as scooby and sesame street will always make me feel great about this utter crapshoot of a year
SO sad -- REST in peace Stephen Sondheim-- your talents for creating masterpieces like BEING ALIVE was just unbelievable! thank you for all you gave us!
I’m sobbing…thank you mr.Sondheim. Thank you. I don’t have words to describe my gratitude for your gifts to this world. So I’m here, crying to this video. Thank you.
You're not alone.
Im also fully bawling
I feel the same way. I sent this to my nephew and his partner of 15 years as a “love song” for their anniversary gift. Such a beautiful song.
Bernadette sings the emotions of the song, not the notes. No one wants the boring notes -- they want the emotion!!!
Bernadette is a GODESS!! She makes me cry when she sings. The song is ripped from her soul and she shares it with us. Utterly unique artist. No wonder Mr Sondheim loved her work so much.
She just nails it. This is how it was meant to be sung. That ain't nothing like a dame !
Oh, Bernadette, you can never do wrong in my eyes. Fantastic job.
She is LEGEND!
Am I the only one who finds Bernadette shares striking similarities with Meg in Disney Hercules? the hair and the power of her voice...
I like to hope that they modelled Megara directly on Bernadette. You're right, a great resemblance in appearance and energy.
Omg yes
Discovered Bernadette Peters as a singer tonight. Such a beautiful woman and voice. This the fifth song I've listened to by her this evening. Loving her.
That descending 'being alive' at the 40-second mark...shivers every time. No wonder Sondheim comes to her when he needs something done right.
She sends chills through my body. Marvelous.
Stunning song by a stunning performer with a stunning arrangement. I think she was really moved by the ovation. Dynamite !!!!!
We love you Stephen Sondheim….
Your words will live forever.
Rest in power❤️
Me too. But it's not like a sad-crying, it's a moving-crying. And after listening to it for so many times, I got over my fear of commitment and started dating again and subsequently fell in love. Thank you, Mr. Sondheim and Ms. Peters.
Wowsers, what an amazing voice. Sondheim's musicals are my fave. He has been such an influential composer. This song definitely makes me feel alive.
BERNADETTE OWNS THIS SONDHEIM MASTERPIECE
Streisand does a wonderful job.
This version is for a solo performance and it builds perfectly. The other verses are better understood in the play. What a fantastic song. I love her performance!!!❤
I just saw her sing this live about a week ago.... and this doesn't do her justice. She was incredible.
Someone to hold me too close.
Someone to hurt me too deep.
Someone to sit in my chair,
And ruin my sleep,
And make me aware,
Of being alive.
Being alive.
Somebody need me too much.
Somebody know me too well.
Somebody pull me up short,
And put me through hell,
And give me support,
For being alive.
Make me alive.
Make me alive.
Make me confused.
Mock me with praise.
Let me be used.
Vary my days.
But alone,
Is alone,
Not alive.
Somebody crowd me with love.
Somebody force me to care.
Somebody let me come through,
I'll always be there,
As frightened as you,
To help us survive,
Being alive.
Being alive.
Being alive!
💙💙
Somebody*
aQAAWP
BERNADETTE PETERS! WOW!
Bernadette has a great voice and sings with incredible passion!
She makes me believe that she is singing about her own life.
So she really makes the song her own and mine! I also like Bernadette's version of "Not a day goes by." I suggest everyone check that one out as well.
Bravo Bernadette! Great performance!
I want her hair!!
Ikr!
You want her hair as in you want to style your hair like hers? Or do you want to cut off her hair and keep it for yourself?
I just want her !
banana clip
Ladies and Gentlemen, you have just witnessed Broadway Royalty... It does not matter if you think someone else sang this song or any other song better, she has earned her way to the top of the list of Broadway Performers. It is an honor to hear her sing any song, no matter what show she is in, she brings her best to EVERY performance.... She is a Gift
I think this is the female cover of this song I prefer the most , I’ve watched Patti but I don’t know maybe it’s just me but as beautifully as she sings it she doesn’t really convey the conflict and the pain and the excitement this song gives me , while Bernadette really gets me teary each time I hear it from her
Oh, Company.... my favorite musical, and not just because you happen to mirror my life and the songs are just there... but it just has a whole deeper line to it... About life. And you, Peters, just rock this song hard
WOW.
Goosebumps! That was incredible!! One of her best songs, surely! Gotta love the woman.
Her hair is always done to the letter of PERFECTION!!!! I bow to a Ginger far greater than myself!!!!!
Breathtaking!
Bernadette Peters really captures the essence of one of Sondheim's best works.
@TBon3Supl3x Yes I'd have to say I agree :)
Good to see people still appreciate theatre and "real artists" who perform on stage LIVE!! Anybody can do a million "takes" but on stage there are no do-overs it's so much more orchestrated and yet passionate at the same time.
Nothing like theatre!!
All I can say is WOW. She took this song -- and I know it well and have sung it myself and heard other excellent singers sing it -- somewhere I've never seen it go. BRAVA.
yowza! i am melting....breathless....what a master vocalist....couldn't imagine a more sublime voice, performance, moment..wow
WHAT A WONDERFUL PIECE OF MUSIC AND TALENT.THANKS FOR SHARING
I always liked Bernadette. But I only saw her perform on television. Then, one year I saw her in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN on Broadway in NYC. And, when she's live on stage, and you're in the audience, she is just magical! Ever since then I've just been totally nuts about her!
If Bernadette had any doubts that her audience did not adore her, their response to this glorious song is divine. How apt !
Had to come back here to listen to this. Rest in peace Mr Sondheim
she is terrific
She is fantastically freaking amazing on this number! !!!!!!! Brava Miss Peters
Beautiful song. Rest in Peace Stephen Sondheim 🕯🙏♥
So nice of her singing!!!!
When I first heard this, the song became one of my favorites. Someone might be able to match this performance but you can't top it.
I made a wish once upon a time.... He certainly made me confused and made me feel used. But it's a hopeful song when you've become numb... always loved these part of the lyrics Somebody crowd me with love Somebody force me to care Somebody make me come thru I'll always be there Frightened as you to help us survive.
my musical theatre idol forever
when i finally win my tony after years of hard work and dedication i'll be thinking of bernadette peters
truly an inspiration
no one does sondheim the way this goddess does sondheim.
10 secs in I get tearful by 60 I'm crying like a baby-what a bloody performance!
I've loved her since her days on Animaniacs...this song was sung at my Uncle's memorial service today. ❤️
Niitep, she's only won at least 3 Tony's, is one of the most beloved Braodway stars ever, and has a way with a song second to none. The wondrous Bernadette Peters, and a damn good actress too.
I just got married yesterday and this made me cry. Love her and this song ❤️
she is phenomenal!
OMG! I like her version the best.
May his memory be a blessing
Shes Just Amazing
she is at the top of list--that hair is out of this world
or maybe teenagers have a love for great theater goddesses as the ones you listed and have loved broadway music but also happen to enjoy the modern covers that glee provides. i am personally here because i love bernadette peters but im kinda tired of people assuming teenagers dont have a love for broadway like older people do like why do you care why there here obviously they love the music
I love this woman.
Chills- and such wonderful poetry- a song to 'live' by. thanks again.
Fabulous!
gorgeous , beautiful, splendid and amazing
I love watching performers having fun...
great great job... wow... im glad I came across this!
Nobody even Lapone can match the supreme rendition that Bernadette Peters gives this song. Nobody!
Where did you go, Bernadette? The ultimate Sondheim interpreter.
I adore this woman.
She is BRILLIANT!
well deserved ovation!
Ms. Peters -- never a false move. Always generous, luxurious, fine.
Best version of this song ever!!!
She is amazing!
This is such a great song made even better by Peters.
ack. this woman's talent makes me embarrassed to breath the same air as her. she is incredible.
I lovee thiss songg and i absolutely LOVE her voice
That was BRILLIANT!!
Inspirational...Don't Give Up
I love this song. Bernadette is the best
Dear EricMChicago, I truly thank you for these videos. I found this video because this song came up on my Pandora radio thing, and I was in the mood for hearing it, and just watching this, I can't help but smile. You can just see how much Bernadette enjoys doing this, and you see how much emotion is in this. Its great! I love her. Soo yeah. Grassyass for uploading this [:
a very beautiful video of Bernadette peters.
So beautiful, here & in Annie!
SUPERB in every way!
01:47 that smile when she knows she nailed it. Love this song
Bravo!!! Exquisite!
Stunning!
Flawless!!!
Uh. She's one of the most incredible actors of the past century. That's why she's a legend.
God I love this woman
Someone to hold me too close Someone to hurt me too deep. Someone to sit in my chair,
And ruin my sleep,
And make me aware,
Of being alive.
Being alive.
Somebody need me too much.
Somebody know me too well.
Somebody pull me up short,
And put me through hell,
And give me support,
For being alive.
Make me alive.
Make me alive.
Make me confused.
Mock me with praise.
Let me be used.
Vary my days.
But alone,
Is alone,
Not alive.
Somebody crowd me with love.
Somebody force me to care.
Somebody let me come through,
I'll always be there,
As frightened as you,
To help us survive,
Being alive.
Being alive.
Being alive!
Gorgeous!
AMAZING
@kikay2493 I agree. I love LuPone more than chocolate, but Bernadette definitely corners the market on this song in my opinion. Her raw vocal quality just sends the song to where it needs to be. Raw, unsophisticated, and beautiful. So accessible.
Bernadette is better than LuPone in any Sondheim song. LuPone excels Lloyd Weber, I guess.
god shes just amazing
This song gave sense to marriage story
A brilliant, moving, and emotionally complex song, one that is simultaneously the finale and turning point of one of the best of all musicals, now done as a feel-good anthem complete with lyric changes to add to the upliftiness. Given that it's Bernadette Peters I guess Sondheim approved, but... yech.
Freaking Magnificent !!!!!!
BERNADETTE PETERS MY BELOVED
Wow. Awesome!
I love this woman.
This song is me. I can't even deal with it.
She is the epitome of perfection.
This is definitely one of my favorites! Thanks so much for the post!!! :)
OMG! Magnificent!
I can't wait!! He'll be amazing!
I always thought it was "Peeing at Five" -- this is a *total* game changer for me.
@TBon3Supl3x I saw her twice in "A Little Night Music" in 2010, and her voice was absolutely gorgeous. It was strong, clear and beautiful. And her abilities to deliver Sondheim's lyrics continue to amaze. She's not known as the premier Sondheim interpreter for nothing.
Can't wait to see her in "Follies".