MOM; *I want to go up and give him a big hug* FIRST REACTION the POET and the PENDULUM - NIGHTWISH

Momma's Metal Monday, it has a nice ring to it ;-)
This one was requested for since I did my first Nightwish reaction but I thought I needed a bit more metal experience before getting into this.
Was I ready ? In hindsight probably not, that's why I will do a part two, the day I think I grasp the lyrics. Although I am a mental heat professional, it still might take me a while ;-)
But this is a first and raw reaction to the song....Enjoy!
Want to support me? Or a reaction?
You can buy me a coffee ;-)
www.buymeacoffee.com/MommaTaunT
Enjoy, and be a dear....leave a comment and a like
xoxo
MommaTaunT
/ mommataunt
Instagram: / momma.taunt
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/tag/mommataunt...
"Although on the TaunT channel I do already reaction videos, it was time to do some solo as well. Over here I can choose myself (at TaunT I never know what is coming) and I can go deeper into the lyrics from a mental health perspective . I will primarily react as a mom but I am also bringing my years as a mental health counselor on the table"
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS
#thepoetandthependulem #pendulum #poet #nightwish #reaction #reacts #momreacts #momreaction #floor #tuomas #live #mentalhealth #metal #metalmonday #army #music

[@MommaTaunT]

What a treat!! Thank you @gabriel.bardac for the list 🙏

[@jorgkuijt4735]

Just want to say, I don't listen to this song to often because it is kinda heavy. I want to thank you for reacting , and making me listen to this again.

[@MommaTaunT]

You’re welcome 😉

[@jovetj]

@@jorgkuijt4735 Yes, every word has meaning if you know the backstory. It truly is a masterpiece, but it is very sad and happy at the same time.

[@arihalttu8949]

Hi MommaTaunT, i'm an almost 60 years old guy with a lot in my baggage and still when Floor sings part 5 "Mother and father" tears are running down my cheecks as never before no matter how many times i've heard this song from Nightwish....it tells you how close your children and their dispair you are as a parrent and you only want to protect them

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you 😊

[@weshwn4246]

Um hey people nobody cares how ol you are

[@raatroc]

I can asure you, from experience, that within 10 years, you'll still have the same feeling.

[@MommaTaunT]

@@raatroc in 10 years ? What about now and in the past ?

[@raatroc]

@@MommaTaunT I only responded to Ari Halttu who said he was almost 60. I'm almost 70, thus I think I know how he will feel within 10 years.

[@selenicamusic]

Reaction to the song "I Want To Give Him The Biggest Hug" The best Nightwish song

[@MommaTaunT]

😉❤️

[@frenkwd1]

Hello Momma. The song "The Poet and the Pendulum" is a 13 Minute journey through the mind and turmoil of Tuomas Holopainen after the year 2005. It was in that year the band parted with their long-time singer Tarja Turunen and had a personal falling out with her. The pain of the separation was big on both sides, and shown in this song. There is guilt for what happened, there is the responsibility that the band and Holopainen had to show towards the fans,. It was the End of an Era for them, and reason for Holopainen being lost as described in these lyrics. We can only of course to a certain degree suppose how much of these are truly Holopainen's feelings, wishes and pains - but we do know that the lyrics of Nightwish have been up to then very personal. Other songs on the album also digest this separation and falling out of the members with Turunen. This is one of the interpretations and i know lots of fans do not agree, they just need to read the open letter that was given to Tarja by the whole band at her last concert with Nightwish, where they fired her. And the main reason that Tuomas went through a depression was that specially the Tarja fans where furious and showed that in the media and everyone was blaming Tuomas. (the fans spit on his grave). He felt the whole world was against him. However personal and "real" these thoughts are, I feel like this song definitely takes us not only on a journey with Holopainen but also into ourselves. The music underlines the emotional gravity of the song extremely well. And I believe a lot of people can actually relate to a sense of guilt and being overwhelmed that all they desired for is the safety of home and innocence. While being personal, the song can still ring true to it's listener. That's a quality Nighwish possesses in many, many more songs. The emotional journey is one we can all share and very few bands know how to put that journey into song and especially into sound as well as Nightwish does. The band remains through all it's shores and Oceans, one of my main favourites and I hold special place for the band in my musical heart. I hope you have enjoyed reading my analysis and share some of my thoughts. If you do have any comments, please feel free to let me know. And remember the beauty of interpretation is that it is subjective; we can see all and feel different things in the same song and continue to love it endlessly. Lyric analysis by Annika Hausen Greetings from the Netherlands

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you

[@oldschoolgamer-w4u]

Nightwish Army, Lisbon Chapter here. It didn't help that even the Prime Minister of Finland had something to say on it... I will not share my feelings for Tarja fans as I do not believe they are wanted or needed here, but for those who followed the band and the interviews... trust me, Tuomas now is not the "happy kid" of the time, The Event as we call it ran deep in his mind forever.

[@MommaTaunT]

I will look into both sides before I do the analysis… but since it is his song , it’s only fair to take that side as a point of view . Without it declaring to be the truth … it is HIS truth and that’s what the song is based on . But what I saw now is so real and cannot be faked.

[@perico1014]

There are also two more songs related to this. “Master passion greed”, with a lot of anger within, an “Eva”, full of sadness and, somehow, guilt about the Tarja situation. Both of them are also really beautiful, but Master passion greed was never performed live, for obvious reasons. It seems that Tuomas had to let his feelings go out. In fact, he said that he had to kill himself in a song to avoid doing it in real life.

[@seanjames5799]

You hit the nail on the head. Powerful song.🤘🏿🤘🏿

[@lasse4416]

Long time Nightwish listener here. I was one of the toxic fans blaming band and Tuomas when Tarja was kicked out. Cant listen to this song without crying, certainly learned my lesson and became a better person but thinking back hurts forever. Masterpiece😭❤️💔

[@KevinHollisWI]

NightWish Army Wisconsin Chapter here. With Tuomas’s pain came, in my opinion, the Greatest musical Composition I have ever heard. The emotion, the passion and the empathy can not be matched. This song is now retired from Live shows as it is just too hard emotionally for them to play. Glad you did the background research and truly hear it for what it is.❤

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you

[@3534538]

I concur

[@JoTummers]

Notice that the time between the moment when the boy says '3 minutes and counting' and the moment that the pendulum breaks, is exactly 3 minutes. That's the perfection that Tuomas creates. And when you see Tuomas and Emppu chatting, it is actually Emppu checking if Tuomas is okay because even after all these years it is still a very emotional song for him.

[@ssokolow]

I don't think that moment is the pendulum breaking. The song is also referencing Edgar Allen Poe's story "The Pit and the Pendulum", where a prisoner is being psychologically tortured by being bound in place below a razor-bladed pendulum "one foot from horn to horn" that gets closer to him with every swing. That'd be what's being depicted by the background imagery.

[@flamedealership]

"Be still my son, you're home" always rips me to pieces. Floor puts so much emotion in it - it hits me every time, even when I don't see the video and the slaying gesture to the sound from Tuomas right before it. Keep on listening down Gabriel's list, MommaTaunT (sorry for the miss-spell in my last comment, btw), you can't go wrong - it's a manifest for the Nightwish apprentices...

[@isaiahwelch8066]

@MommaTaunT: First, I can tell you have a very warm heart, and a caring soul. I saw how this was affecting you, and I completely understand. Many times, I've spoken about depression and how it feels like to have to face your own inner demons, and how it feels as if the battles against them, are never-ending. What Poet and the Pendulum has shown me is that it isn't just my own face I see sometimes, but other times, the faces of people who say or do things that we don't understand. Many times, especially with empathic people, they unknowingly deal with how others treat them, and if a person isn't prepared for that, an empath can become depressed as a result. But Tuomas does something with this song that many people miss: Not only is Poet and the Pendulum cathartic, but at the same time, Tuomas takes his pain and bears it for a higher purpose, and transforms it into something healing. I had not heard this song until a few years ago, and at the time, I had been still dealing with emotional and mental baggage from a time I had been completely betrayed by someone I thought I could trust. And in the process, this person started telling other people things about me that were not true. This is why I understand where Tuomas was when he wrote this song, because though the scale was very much different, the emotions and reactions to the situation were not all that different. And it is this song, for me, that most illustrates the chaotic nature of depression, and even the ideation of ending your own life that can come with it. I'm just thankful that not only has Tuomas healed from what happened back then, but that he's in a much happier place now. Not just with Floor as the vocalist of Nightwish, but he's also married to Johanna Kurkela, the lady who has the spoken Shakespeare quote in Shoemaker. And while I wonder about his thoughts about this song now, I can't help but suspect that Tuomas reflects on this song, as artists tend to do. Because you are 100% right, MommaTaunT, you cannot have only the highs of life, you also have to deal with the lows. And the pendulum is, as we know, is always swinging. It is how we react to the lows that is the difference. And with many things, I have learned, it is always the darkest before the dawn -- and while Annette was okay as a vocalist for Nightwish, I truly think the "Dawn" for Tuomas was when Floor joined the band in 2012. Because who knew that Floor would elevate Nightwish to the status it has? Who knew that even a decade later, Floor's star would continue to be as bright as it has been? And in the process, we have been gifted the privilege of listening to works of auditory art with a musical genius composing them.

[@MommaTaunT]

❤️

[@stevenhopwood8195]

I’ve seen and heard this masterpiece from Tuomas in excess of 100 times and it always leaves me teary eyed. Yet with a feeling of hope, as the song finishes off with the words “the beginning”. Which now with the aid of hindsight is definitely true. While I like all of their female singers, each with a different set of skills, l lean towards Floor, as she was the singer I first heard when I discovered Nightwish. This is not dismissing previous singers at all, just my preference. Love this song. ❤️🤘🎸🎻🇦🇺 Tuomas has references to the ocean in a lot of his compositions, as when he was younger, he wanted to be a marine biologist and has a love for the sea. Although I’m certainly glad he found his musical path, instead. 😃👍

[@amygoodson-catlady]

As a serious Nightwish fan, it's great to see a reactor *really* understand the story (make sure you read both open letters), the lyrics, the depth of this song. It's suicide by song, instead of in real life...and we're all so thankful for that, and for this powerful song! Tuomas was known to have the vocal feed to his in-ear monitors turned off during this song, bc it remains very painful to him. Do notice at the end that Marko and Emppu gather around Tuomas, for support. The lyric, "I cannot cry cuz the shoulder cries more", references the other band members who lived thru this with Tuomas. Also, references the fans...who were quite upset with Tuomas for firing Tarja. Bottom line, he was grieving the loss of a beloved childhood friend...and it was heavy. If you're interested, there is a 12yr old documentary/autobiography of Tuomas, returning home to be w his parents after this traumatic time...but b4 he wrote Dark Passion Play (this song) or hired Anette Olzen. It's got English subtitles and is a snapshot of how low and lost Tuomas was. It's called Maan Mainiot. About 30mins long.

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you

[@Kezza3451]

Thank you. I’m in Northern Ireland & only discovered Nightwish a few years ago but I’m totally obsessed with them. No wonder Tuomas is known as the Mozart of Metal. He’s a musical genius & Floor’s voice is just on another level. I can’t seem to get enough of these reaction vids to see the effect this song has on people. Thanks for the name of that documentary about Tuomas. I’d never heard of it before but I’ll definitely be watching this over the weekend 👍🏻

[@Dipper737]

You Dutch can be proud of having such an incredible singer and person from your country. She really is a rare one.

[@marcel_sala]

Trust me, we are. Floor is something else. 🇳🇱🤟🏻

[@JoTummers]

We are very proud of her, and on a personal note I can say that I am very honoured that I had the luck to meet her in person 2 times.❤

[@jamesstaplesv]

As a death worker this is the best facilitator of the 5 Stages of Grief Ever !!!

[@eggleifen]

"Be still, my son You're home Oh when did you become so cold?" always gets me, my mom told me something similar when i was visiting her in the start of my 20s, i was a time in my life where i had gotten my priorities off track, i valued money over family, i had gotten cold and emotionless, she got me to see what actually matters in life again.

[@MommaTaunT]

That got me too

[@valksyvalksington6155]

Anyone who has experienced this sort of crisis - not the details, just the emotional journey - what this song is terribly familiar. The inner conflict, the self doubt and self loathing, the bargaining, the despair. I can't think of another piece of art that expresses that experience as well as Poet does. Raw, naked, uncompromising. I can't get through this without breaking - the bit that gets me is the musical build right before Marko starts his scream. That sense of crisis is almost unbearable. And at the end Mom and Dad bring us back to shore and what began with "The End" becomes "The Beginning". It truly is a masterpiece.

[@MommaTaunT]

It is

[@MustaLaatta]

The pain coming out of this composition and turning it as a new beginning, has given so many human being the feeling that, hurt goes away... It's has saved lives, Literally...

[@jacquisampson-marat5277]

I concur

[@MommaTaunT]

I agree!

[@3534538]

I concur

[@NickBR57]

I concur

[@jeannettesimpson9778]

"Thank you". Floor, so soft and humble. ❤❤

[@addrenry784]

Nightwish is a band that consistently provokes my deepest emotions. Tuomas's songwriting and the band's musicianship, character and performances are on another level for me.

[@jasonmarshall7572]

I love the last segment was from a letter his parents wrote to him and we are all very thankful Tuomas is alive and with us today. Thank you for your reaction.

[@MommaTaunT]

😊

[@elinielsen5556]

*I want to go up and give him a big hug*...that is the greatest reaction to this song....I always get goosebumps when listening to this song....😶

[@MommaTaunT]

☺️

[@martchristy9981]

What an excellent piece of music!? Think of it. Tuomas and Tarja had been friends since childhood. His mother used to give her piano lessons. When He decided to form the band, she was one of the founder members, together with Tuomas and Emppu. Everything had worked fine for a while. Was he in love with her? I don't know. Did she love him? Personally, I doubt it. Eventually, she found a lover and married him. I think this caused some problems - this may have caused some dismay for Tuomas. Anyway, this is all their own business and just so much water under the bridge. Well done in your reaction. Best of luck for the future reactions.

[@wolfsdream499]

This song always reminds me that out of the deepest grief and sadness such a beautiful thing can be born! Please don't get me wrong I don't want to feel anybody like this ever, but when me myself am feeling like this there's this small glimmer of hope that my sadness will develope in something beautiful someday too...

[@124Spider5]

Momma TaunT, I have only one word... Great... Honest...From the Heart... Reaction. Ups, that's words but you deserved it ❤❤❤❤

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you 🙏

[@agegroot5666]

Let your tears fill the river of tears like so many others did before you, the river of tears will never run dry.

[@Meine.Postma]

Yes, masterpiece. The last part is the best that Floor and Tuomas have done so far

[@MilaMan]

Tuomas, our metal Mozart, is so great writing and composing this kind of music 🤘❤

[@romanjanda4926]

Hi MommaTaunt yes, this song this reaction Its a Tuomas s masterpiece Its not only song it is a emotionlal rollercoaster.Very very amazing song with amazing Floors voice.Thank for Your reaction greetings from Czech Republic.

[@johnveerkamp1501]

YOU HAVE UNDERSTOOD THE RIGHT EMOTION. BEHIND IT. ONLY FLOOR CAN BRINGS THAT.

[@EyesOfGehenna]

To be honest, I don't think anybody's ready when they first hear this song. It just cut through me because I've had things happen in my life that feel similar to the emotions expressed in the song. I cry every time I play it.

[@majbrat]

Knowing your background, I could see you noticing the language, or description of the feelings of all the stages of grief and depression. It is powerful. Thank goodness Tuomas decided to only die in song, rather than in rl. Decades of gorgeous music have flowed out of him since he recovered from this dark time.

[@pintsize6662]

Her thank you always gets me...

[@MommaTaunT]

I had to leave it in, I felt the same

[@jeffreyphipps1507]

As a person who stood at the precipice of suicide, it hits me hard every time. To see another person who considered suicide and put it into a song is very meaningful. You can't help but feel the emotion.

[@ericforte1867]

Great reaction. Amazing how Floor can pull the emotions from within a song that has nothing to do with her and just drive it right into your heart. I’m amazed you haven’t reacted to Ren yet. The perfect intro is Hi Ren. There is plenty to dive in to with Ren as far as mental health goes

[@MommaTaunT]

We did on our main channel @taunt

[@themisspultone]

The music they created in that time. This masterpiece, Master Passion Greed, Bye bye Beautiful. Im in awe at how they took such raw, visceral emotions from what was undoubtedly a ugly moment and not only exercised those demons but also made something so traumatically beautiful. I just love how they all support one another. Especially checking on Toumas, as this song in particular is very personal

[@oldtraveler6966]

A beutiful way to welcome a new drummer is to sit down by his feet- NWA Sweden eastern army.

[@randymarple9830]

This composition was written by Tuomas to help heal himself and also his bandmates as well, because even though he was the one that all the hate was aimed at, they ALL had signed the letter to Tarja. The videographer also made this performance about the band. Only two quick shots of the audience, very early on, were used. Emppu staying near Tuomas, making sure he was okay. The ending, when Marko makes eye contact with Floor and turns to join Emppu and Tuomas. As the song ends, Floor looking to her friends, checking on them, and only then she turns back to the audience and says 'Thank you", and I break again. Hard to watch this. I break every time.

[@JariJuslin]

And the way Floor says the thank you...

[@jenesisjones6706]

I have watched every reaction to this epic song, and not once has anyone mentioned the Pendulum...it IS a big part of the song after all. It also has centre stage....

[@MommaTaunT]

I did 😉

[@jaskau2462]

🤩👌💥💯🎼 "The end......... The beginning" And Helluwa Lot in between! 🤘😎 🇫🇮 💙

[@ralfmeyer9086]

Wow, one of best reaction of the Poet. You are full in, and don't stop. Thank you,with a 🌹from northern Germany

[@MommaTaunT]

Danke schön ☺️

[@ralfmeyer9086]

@@MommaTaunT Du hast das wundervoll gemacht. Du hast nicht unterbrochen. Absolut tolle reaction. Schicke ich dir eine🌹

[@MommaTaunT]

😊

[@johnmatthews4927]

I also wish that I had been there for this show but to be honest I have only discovered Nightwish in the last three years because of lockdowns etc. The lyrics of all the songs completely blow me away but my personal favourite (also in this Live from London show) is The Greatest Show On Earth. Incredible.

[@AleaIactaEst2009]

This song makes me cry every time I hear it alone, and if not alone then makes me hide the tears. Naturally it coves a theme of depression and suicide. But perhaps it is the last part that makes me the saddest. Those are supposed to be the words his parents said to him when he was depressed. Perhaps words that saved him or helped, I do not know. But there is a beauty in the hope of that part combined with the despair. The beauty intrinsic to both love and tragedy and it makes it the most powerful part. Innocence is a recurring theme for Tuomas. The innocence of your youth when you are truly free without the weight of the world. Wanting to regain that feeling that we lose as we grow up. Escapism is a common theme for him. As is love. "I cannot cry 'cause the shoulder cries more. I cannot die....." - That was a line I thought about the meaning and it eluded me, but then I decided it meant that he could not commit suicide for knowing the pain it would cause those around him who support him who would suffer more for it (the shoulder for him). I do not know if that is the intended meaning, but it is the meaning I give it. I have inferred, imbued my own meaning to the words, that is what music as art makes us do. Naturally this song should be taken in the context of where Tuomas was in his life following the sacking of Tarja and emotional turmoil. This is my first visit to your channel. You have a thumbs up from me for listening to such a masterpiece. Tuomas' lyrics do touch me. Deeply. The music and orchestration is perfect. Best wishes.

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you

[@knutruther4964]

Yes, it's a world of emotions every time that Tuomas has created and Floor realises in such an incredible way. Tears in my eyes every time at the last part. The Nightwish pendulum pendant in the thumbnail looks very familiar to me. Hangs above my Dark Passion Gallery book. Good reaction video, as always.

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you

[@duizeltjeeekhoorn6890]

Although this is a very personal song. What I like the most is that so many people can relate to the lyrics and the beautifull music. It is both raw and soothing. In the end (or as it says the beginning) it just gives us the eternal message of beeing loved. Looking forward to the next video. Stay safe.

[@MommaTaunT]

🙏

[@kimfabritiusdetengnagel2038]

This is a masterpiece of a composition. Tuomas's use of different instruments to enhance the emotions are brilliant - like the cello. And he creates a crescendo of sound to show the myriads of thoughts than runs through the minds in a depression - highs and lows... Phenomenal. And only Floor can make this song justice in my opinion - she lifts the song up into the Stratosphere with her powerful use of her incredible storytelling abilities, filled with emotions, passion and pure sound.. This is music getting legendary. I was there and the whole concert was a gigantic roller-coaster of emotions. There are other songs on the same level - Dead Boy's Poem from Buenos Aires 2018, maybe Tuomas's most personal song, Procession from their newest album Human Nature are maybe the song where Floor uses most emotions, because of it's seriousity - and the masterpiece The Greatest Show on Earth - completely different, but maybe the most important song ever written!! And that might need both the Wembley and the Tampere versions to fully understand. The Wembley with Richard Dawkins on stage - and Tampere because it's a little different because it is outdoor and a phenomenal production, no one else can match. (remember to stay on until the video is completely finished, because the speaking afterwards is an important part of the song)

[@evanhayward1502]

The Light's answer to Ramstein's Dark. Love them both.

[@stevewilson8752]

Brilliant Sad Wonderful well written epic Masterpiece 😝👍 Nightwish Disciple from Queensland Australia 🇦🇺🏄‍♂️🍹

[@damienmaynard8892]

Guy Elliott was the boy soprano at the start, he was from St Mary's Choir School, Reigate U.K. "Sparkle my scenery.." was sung by another boy soprano on the album but Floor said she could do it for this performance and Tuomas agreed!..... ..As others have said, this song is both relatable and life-saving! Mother is another name for God on the lips of every child.

[@davidwells7786]

This is such a special song. Obviously it was written way before Floor was a part of the band, but for me, she took an already epic and emotional song to a totally different level. She makes you truly realise the turmoil that Tuomas was going through…..

[@redpillbulgaria-v2.063]

I usually listen to this song when I run out of eye drops ...

[@johannessilver8653]

He had tough times in 2005 after Tarja left. New beginning started....he was about to end NW but fortunately not. Yes he is "Oceanborn" and " Ocean Soul" - long story. Genuine reaction. Difficult to understand fully cause complex story behind.

[@onewingedsparrow8190]

If it makes you feel any better, there is no way to actually be "ready" for this song. At least not while being an empathetic person. At it's heart this is a suicide note from a son to his parents. No one should ever have to experience that. It's a genuine credit to Tuomas that he made it beautiful, if not pleasant.

[@billtbodger]

Thankyou for such an honest reaction, the feelings this song create never go away no matter how many times you hear it, you are right it is a masterpiece but it shows how mature Tuomas has become with his writing and for me it has got even better since he wrote The Poet. A song like this deserves to be heard by everybody at least once, Floors singing projects the emotion of the song beautifully almost giving you permission to cry with them as you go through what was a very painful time for Tuomas. Big love and hugs

[@pekkakarppinen1608]

And in the end we all 😭😭😭.

[@robertsheeler321]

The Poet and the Pendulum was written after firing Tarja the original singer. She was the face of Nightwish at the time, and Tuomas (Keyboards) considered her a muse to many of the songs he had written at that point. They had also grown up in the same city and knew each other since early childhood. All the band members decided together to fire her for acting too much of a diva And her husband & Manager was stepping way outta bounds concerning the band business He always wanted more money , only big paying show but the band did it for the love of music and there fans . According to all the band members, Tarja was missing lots of rehearsals and would not even travel with the band anymore. Tuomas was painted as the devil by many fans, and went through a deep depression. He even considered ending the band . He wrote The Poet and the Pendulum at that time, and actually kills himself in the song. He said he killed himself in the song, as to kill the pain he was going through . To this day every time he plays it, it takes him back to those feelings, and shows on his face. In the last part, Mother and Father, words are said to him that his real mother said to him at that time of his deep depression. One part that touches me at the end when the guitarist Emppu and bassist Marko, the only other two involved with firing Tarja (that were still active with the band)were standing with Tuomas at the end in solidarity and love., NOTE : the 1st two words are (The End) and the last two words are (The Beginning) representing the end of the 1st era of Nightwish and the beginning of the next era

[@MommaTaunT]

I felt it … did not know about the story itself , but the deep pain , that was so there . What a legend to still play this in all its pain and beauty

[@robertsheeler321]

@@MommaTaunT they no longer do this live

[@MommaTaunT]

I can totally understand that

[@Rackelhane]

Well done. Great reaction. Thank you.❤️

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you ☺️

[@gene6690]

I only watch this song when its reacted to by genuine people such as yourself and thank you for the respect shown to this masterpiece. Ill be watching them in Berlin this June. Its will be the highlight of my life only surpassed by the birth of our two kids 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you for this nice compliment and have fun in June!!

[@drumguy1384]

I really really wanted to see them live ... but without Marco it loses something for me. If they are nearby I will go, but I can't bring myself to travel to see them without him. Troy is doing an admirable job on the male vocals, but he just can't do what Marco did. Floor is an amazing singer, but she is missing the other half of her vocal ensemble. I know why Marco left, and I have seen how he is happier as a result, but such a big part of Nightwish died when he left. Tuomas himself said he was questioning whether or not to continue after that loss, and I agree.

[@briandixon8968]

In June, Floor should be getting close to term with her second child. I can't imagine how she keeps working first through breast cancer and now through a pregnancy. Words cannot convey the amount of respect I have for her.

[@pdutchie4924]

Always chills and tearing up at the end part ❤

[@fraukehammer4624]

Brillant reaction, there is only one song with more emotion ,"Dead Boys Poem"

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you

[@craigbolton5093]

An empath reacting to a song written by an empath performed by an empath. You didn't need the backstory. You felt it.

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you

[@michaelshort2388]

emotionally this is definitely one of their biggest masterpieces. but "The Greatest Show on Earth" is their best song imo.

[@chadbennett7873]

This is, indeed, a masterpiece. It ranks in my top five all-time across all artists, and number one on the emotional introspective chart. It's most likely the most personally painful song, barely above "Hurt" by Johnny Cash. As far as the top masterpiece of Nightwish, my personal choice is "The Greatest Show On Earth," primarily due to the scope and execution of the subject matter. They're difficult to measure side-by-side due to the different directions of the subject matter, but to say they are both masterpieces is fact, and perhaps an understatement. Tuomas poured his soul onto the stage for this piece, to the point that Emppu and Marco, the two members of the band still playing who were part of the decision, came over to check on and support him. I'll be waiting for your detail response, but let me say that you gave us enough to hold us over until then. Nice reaction, Momma! We'd all like to give him that big hug, but fortunately he found a great love in Johanna, and has friends who love and support him. You might give AURI a listen, it's his project with Johanna and Troy (and sometimes Kai) that soft, relaxing and brilliant.

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you ☺️

[@chadbennett7873]

@SolitudeMan1977 X Of course I know that. I was commenting on the emotion he put into the song and the emotion it builds in the listener. Trent Reznor himself said that Johnny made it his song.

[@talaniel]

Yes, "The Greatest Show On Earth" is amazing one of my Nightwish favorites.

[@chacehorsman2615]

I'm a big tough lifelong metalhead and I cried like a bitch the first time I heard this song (this performance too!). Truly one of the most amazing pieces of music I've ever heard. Tuomas is an incredible composer and writer, and Floor is unmatched as a vocalist. Thanks mom!

[@MommaTaunT]

🫶

[@Zet0rius]

Thank you. ❤

[@rebel666]

Mooie reactie , niemand is klaar voor dit nummer . Ik heb het tig keer gehoord en elke keer heb ik weer tranen in mijn ogen

[@MommaTaunT]

Dankjewel ❤️

[@Joah132]

Hello MommaTaunt! I was going to recommend Ghost Love Score to you, it's one of my favorites. However, I saw that you watched that. How's the Heart is another very good one. If you'd like one more positive, Elan is a good listen as well. It's not as much of a masterpiece as Ghost Love Score, or Poet and the Penduluum, but it's a good song.

[@jimharris367]

Really nice reaction, very emotional ❤️

[@Madzu159]

What is that coincidence, that I have this and a "Christmas truce" in same suggestions from YT? Mind-boggling...

[@MommaTaunT]

☺️

[@anthonmessing3353]

I don’t think, emotionally, there is a better song❤

[@NickBR57]

I'm not sure why your channel has not turned up in my feed before - most Nightwish reactions do. Because this is my No 1 NW song (no, nothing can top it) perhaps YT finally decided to let me know about your channel. Seems I have some catching up to do. I add to my notes over time, so I have quite a few saved. For what it's worth, here they are... Tuomas is a vey special person and this is, for me, the pinnacle of his work. Nothing surpasses it. For him it is one of the deepest songs. TUOMAS: We will never play "Bye Bye Beautiful" or "Master Passion Greed" live again, [sic] because the lyrics are just too unambiguous and personal. There was at least as much gloom behind "The Poet and the Pendulum", too, but it leaves a bit more room for interpretation. It's easily one of our best songs but especially, the "Mother and Father'" part in the end always stirs up such a storm of emotions that it's impossible for me to do it every night. Playing "The Poet and the Pendulum' is a real rollercoaster ride - it makes me feel anxious, blush, laugh, and, in the end, just happy that that part of my life is behind me. My notes: My number 1 Nightwish song and for good reasons. (No 2, Song of Myself, No 3 7 Days to the Wolves.) This is a deeply emotional and meaningful song with which I empathise and it helped me to see that there was a way forward when depression struck. I am not alone in being "saved" by Nightwish, a fact that Tuomas has referred to and said he could not terminate the band because he knows they have meant so much to some fans who feel their lives have been saved by Nightwish. He feels that he has a responsibility to the fans - not your standard rock musician then. Floor is worth watching closely, her facial, hand and whole-body motions reflect the emotions she is portraying. Hands in Mother and Father for example. Tearing her hair in the Dark Passion Play section. Note that when Tuomas talks about "Poet" he is always referencing himself. It happens throughout his ouvre. You will see other cross-references too. Tuomas does that deliberately to give the fans a sort of anchor. Meadows of Heaven is another example - a song in itself and often referenced. For what it's worth, here are are my thoughts and interpretations... End to beginning - death of one era of the band, beginning of a new era. Regarding the end of the first Era, I see no point in the blame game. The band split, that is all we need to know. Whatever the causes there was bound to be emotion on both sides so I leave it at that. But this masterpiece is what came out of Tuomas' emotions. The beginning is a boy soprano, Guy Elliott who also does the spoken parts. The whispering at the beginning is the central spoken section lated in reverse. Then we get the whole section "Home". I see the "shoulder cries more" as having no shoulder to cry on because the other members of the band - his friends - were equally upset. The "whore for the cold world" I see as the selling of his whole life to the music industry (the metaphorical pimps, hence the "whore" references) which is not interested in the person only what they can get from the band. The two faces bit is self explanatory; almost everyone will have been in situations where they have to hide their feelings and present a false front to the world. The reference to betrayal is again obvious and there are lots of metaphors in the surrounding words. The altar I think, is the tie to the band - these upheavals in 2004/5 were not the first time Tuomas had felt like ending the band. By the way, note the 3 minutes and counting: exactly 3 minutes later you get the guillotine motion. Exactly 3 minutes. Marco made the demo version of this, with all the lyrics sung by himself and with harsher lyrics at points too. Next we get to the Mother and Father section with Floor, Marco and Emppu all sitting, while Floor sings lyrics reflecting the words from his mother when he went back home for a break in the middle of all this turmoil. These are the words of love and then of advice, that he was given. Floor here is using her finger movements to accentuate emotion. This whole section and the way Floor sings it, is packed with those damned Onion Ninjas. Marco's harmonies are wonderful. We end with the final ethereal notes from Floor and here is another tingle-factor moment. Then a gentle piano ending, the calm after the emotional storm. Here, as in Sparkle my Scenery, the choir on the original album is replaced by Floor who wanted to sing them herself (and proved completely capable of it) which Anette could not have done - she could probably get the notes but the emotion is there in the choral original and is amplified when Floor sings it. The low brass used in many places is really effective. On the performance itself: When Emppu goes over to Tuomas and later both Marco and Emppu go over, it is a sign of moral support. They both know how difficult this is for him - eventually he had the vocals turned off in his in-ear, so he didn't have to listen to them because Floor put such emotion into them. At the end, she does not say "Thank you" immediately, as she does normally. Instead she looks over for a few seconds to check on him from her position. BTW, I have never bought the theory that Tuomas was "in love" with Tarja. Those who say he asked her to join the band because he knew her from school - she was suggested by Emppu who had known her as an acquaintance at school.

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you

[@VirtuesofAtlas]

Yesss Nightwish!!!

[@seanjames5799]

@MommaTaunT, you are in for a musical treat. Nightwish aren't just a band. They're a spiritual journey.

[@rianavermeulen4316]

You Amazing ❤ Nightwish is amazing ❤❤

[@JariJuslin]

Thank you.

[@pantlessreactions]

I've considered this song as the 5 stages of grief and tried (in my own way) to break down the meaning of the lyrics and music. Its sometimes hard when there is the composers own personal experiences involved to know exactly what he meant, but the emotion Floor brings out definitely gives you the feeling thee composer wanted.

[@sirthomas9622]

In music we're united :)

[@Bonovin]

Thank you for the bice reaction , a wonderful song ! Greetings from nwAse Sweden

[@clivematthews5296]

And just consider that only a few songs later they performed his latest epic masterpiece, The Greatest Show on Earth with Richard Dawkins appearing live on stage at the end. WOW.

[@tomten8663]

What a AWESOME BAND NIGHTWISH IS. And Floor ,,my GOD she,s so GOOD. I don,t know what it is with these Dutch female singers (vocalists) .Is there something in the water in the Netherlands. Listen to the very young Dutch STUNNING SUPER SOPRANO and VOCALIST Amira Willighagen and you know exactly what i mean. For example her " la Vergine Degli Angeli and Gesu bambino" versions are OUT OF THIS WORLD BRILLIANT. Floor and Amira truly are something else.

[@Nickery1]

I am sure .. You also wil love : The Greatest Show on Earth ! .. ( live Tampere )

[@jussikuusisto9737]

New that would make you cry

[@fredverkerk838]

floor laat ze allemaal huilen , ze is zo goed .

[@TimoArula]

"The Poet And The Pendulum" is an absolute masterpiece !!!! For me, this song is one of the big three ("Ghost Love Score" given us by Tarja, "The Poet And The Pendulum" given us by Anette and "The Greatest Show On Earth" given us by Floor). The reason for Tuomas’ depression was not the firing of Tarja itself, it was what came after that. The fans idolized Tarja and they could not accept the fact that she got fired. In their heads Tarja was the one that made the band famous and they became really angry and hostile, especially towards Tuomas. They really took it out on him. They called him all kinds of ugly things and a lot of them expressed that they did not care if he would die. These are the things that brought him into depression and these are the things that echo through the lyrics This song has the most emotional impact, at least for me... I was that that "Bastard" who abandoned Nightwish after Tarja left...Never Again !!!! Although I love this song (Especially this version), it is the only song, I can't put to my playlist... because, I break down to tears every single time (Current reaction included...). This masterpiece will remain a reminder to me for my narrow mindlessness.... NWSU/FloorFan 🤘😎🤘

[@petraaarnink7474]

Wooah... bedankt... dit is 1 van mijn favorieten. Je had gelijk over "the ocean". In "dead boy's poem" refereert hij er ook naar. Ook een pareltje... over wat hij te zeggen zou hebben, stel hij zou sterven als jongen. Welke rol de muziek voor hem heeft gespeeld... een aanrader!!!

[@MommaTaunT]

Thanks

[@BayneUpton]

I don't think it is possible to be ready for that song.

[@seventone4039]

Your speak from a point of deep Wisdom

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you ❤️

[@marcusanton95]

There is another female singer who like Goddess Floor has such power and range. She too can ripe through our bravado to reach our hearts. Jennifer Haben of Beyond The Black a German Band. "Forget My Name" for example or "Human" with many, many more songs and like Floor she is incredible live no fake vocals like you get from a typical studio version.

[@ievazagante5527]

When I heard it the first time, I had no idea about the backstory, did not know the band members and have simply listened to a couple of songs and a few of reaction videos. I decided to look up the lyrics before the third time or after it, and walked astounded for a weak or so. I did not know that Emppu was one of the founders, and Marko had played in the band for some time, did not know that the 5th part was almost the words said by mother of Tuomas, and I had not heard the demo version, which is very different not only because Marko is singing it alone (even without the boy doing first part). The lyrics are pretty straightfoward (compared to many other songs), but the music - actually before I came accross "Nightwish" I thought I am indifferent to music at best, because teacher at school taught us nothing, and the Singing revolution was about politicis, not music.

[@dakotapeters5654]

One of the hardest things i have found to do is balance both masculine and feminine. Im starting to think thats because masculine is a masc-U-line or in other words the line between being able to express and share your feelings and thoughts openly. And fe-iron, mi-my, nine-muses, divinities... idk but 9 is very symbolic and powerful. Could be talking about the 9 chakras after the 7 chakras. Could be refering to the 9 muses or in a way linking both or talking about them being linked 🤔 more thought into this is needed but in time and with patience all things are revealed.

[@marcohouwaart808]

Love your reaction

[@MommaTaunT]

Thank you

[@tarmotyyri6733]

🇫🇮❤Tuomas is not just a great composer, but he also pays great attention to details, which is why e.g. it takes exactly three minutes from the young boy's voice saying "Now I only have three minutes..." to the point in which Tuomas figuratively cuts his throat with his right hand & dies. P.S. The 5 parts of this song are in reversed chronological order.

[@MommaTaunT]

Genius

[@tarmotyyri6733]

@@MommaTaunT 👍‍

[@ValtteL]

"The 5 parts of this song are in reversed chronological order." Are you sure? 😀

[@tarmotyyri6733]

@@ValtteL Yes, just look at the lyrics. In the 1st part verse 1 starts with "The end", and part 5 of the song ends with spoken words "The beginning".

[@ValtteL]

@@tarmotyyri6733 I don't see that way at all. Song is about feelings, thoughts and what happened between the end of the first era(Tarja) and the beginning of the new era. He knows that songwriter from the first era is gone but he isn't ready to let it go immediately. Finally he reborns. (2007) "On this song, I actually killed myself. The heartbeat fades away. But after that comes the resurrection! The last tree minutes is like my ressurection. Jesus-like! (laughs) But seriously again, it was something that I really had to do. Is the most ugly and disturbing lyrics I’ve ever wrote, but I needed to do it. Now I feel a certain relief with that."

[@Joanet749]

fortunately, these will no longer be among the 1000 pages of erased text...

[@arturama8581]

Momma, you really need to watch 'Hi Ren' by Ren!

[@h3corptempbutevadinganass]

I agree, metal found its birth here, yes tony iommi!!! Great point!!!! But yeah ( come on it is certainly hard rock its fine good point theres sub sub genres) also learned your a jazz singer😮😮 And yes!!! Its a technique i actually learned as a freakin kid, 😂 totally not my thing anymore but yeah i love sabbath!! The Ozzy albums are soooooooo goooood and yep 1971 baby. No one should care about you disagreeing or anything hey we have your back right😅? Im gonna be popping up on ur page going forth:)hah

[@Marco-Conner]

forgive me i have two faces. greetings from the north german nightwish army

[@ejllamobeolan5025]

If you notice? Both emppu and Marko both move over to him for support

[@MommaTaunT]

I did , it moved me

[@fraukehammer4624]

This song let Stonehenge cry

[@petterrix3144]

Still Epic..(topp 3 on my list)

[@German_1]

Robert scheeler seems to have a pretty good handle on the song. He has a comment below.

[@duncanwyer2460]

🇬🇧 Norfolk reporting for duty .who else but Tuomas could say I only have three minutes and counting and in exactly three minutes the blade falls ? And the riff Marco plays in his part without looking is insane ! Emmpu asking Tuomas if he is ok ,and the band looking out for him .😊 Masterpiece 😊

[@Ireksojkowski]

🥰🥰🥰🥰