Owl City - Fireflies - ASL Song

"Fireflies" by Owl City, performed in sign language by Stephen Torrence. My first release of December Song Week. Keep an eye out for more! Lyrics/gloss below, captions on the way.
You would not believe your eyes
AMAZING! SEE
If ten million fireflies
TEN MILLION LIGHT FLIES
Lit up the world as I fell asleep
I SLEEP, WORLD LIGHT-UP
'Cause they'd fill the open air
FLIES [NUMEROUS]
And leave teardrops everywhere
TEAR DROPS [ALL-AROUND]
You'd think me rude
I MAYBE RUDE
But I would just stand and stare
I STAND, LOOK-AROUND
I'd like to make myself believe
I REALLY WANT BELIEVE
That planet Earth turns slowly
WORLD ROTATE SLOW
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
I PREFER SLEEP, DREAM,
Awake when I'm asleep
NOT AWAKE
'Cause everything is never as it seems
WHY? VARIETY
'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs
I RECEIVE MANY HUG
From ten thousand lightning bugs
FROM TEN THOUSAND LIGHT FLIES
As they tried to teach me how to dance
THEY TEACH-ME HOW DANCE
A foxtrot above my head
[DANCING ABOVE]
A sock hop beneath my bed
BED [DANCING BELOW]
A disco ball is just hanging by a thread
LIGHT BALL [HANG THIN LINE]
[chorus]
Leave my door open just a crack
MY DOOR [OPEN SLIGHTLY]
(Please take me away from here)
'Cause I feel like such an insomniac
I FEEL RESTLESS
(Please take me away from here)
Why do I tire of counting sheep
SHEEP COUNT 1-2-3 BORING
(Please take me away from here)
When I'm far too tired to fall asleep
I TIRED EXCESSIVE, CANT SLEEP
To ten million fireflies
TEN MILLION LIGHT FLIES
I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes
[LOOK-AT-ME] THINK HE WEIRD
I got misty eyes as they said farewell
WHY? THEY LEAVE, I CRY
But I'll know where several are
BUT IF MY DREAMS STRANGE
If my dreams get real bizarre
I CAN FIND SEVERAL
'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar
{JAR} I CATCH, KEEP
[chorus x3]
Because my dreams are bursting at the seams
MY DREAMS [BURSTING THROUGH]

[@kayleehog]

it is times like this when I am so glad I chose sign language to be my secong language. It is one of the most beautiful languages and can express so much more than words without ever saying them.

[@ninap01840]

Exactly

[@a97019701]

Amen! Me too!

[@MadelineBrigit]

Kaylee Hogness I agree. I just recently started learning and I actually sometimes forget a word in English and sign it. I've even had dreams where its just signing

[@morgan_c]

Kaylee Hogness I know!! That’s why I chose it

[@xLCLIPx]

Same

[@dublo79]

i am deaf sinds my birth and thanks for make me see the songs other people can hear

[@stuff6585]

:)

[@Sillylittleguy423]

My grandma is deaf science birth too, this is helping me a lot 😁

[@FileCode1459]

it's so cool to see how you interpretate the song not only by the hand movements, but through all of your body language. probably someone's who's deaf would understand better how the song flows because of all of those aditional expressions

[@thomasbegley9957]

File Code #1459 a big part of asl is facial expression, that’s not just a thing he does

[@johnlanes5425]

@@thomasbegley9957, he actually did. When you are interpreting a song in ASL, you may actually add a few changes for aesthetic purposes just enough so it doesn't distort the imagery.

[@izzy6117]

11 years later still one of the most iconic interpretations of this song if not the most...

[@millywillow1]

I momentarily fell in love there. This is adorable.

[@Pawsofloaves]

i totally agree

[@arielculver66]

Honestly when I first saw the sign for slowly I giggled a little to me it looks seductive.

[@CaptainValor]

Wow... you're right! o_O

[@kamr4534]

😂😂😂😂

[@StarlightRequiem]

That's why i don't use that sign for slowly I use the old one.

[@judyparker1152]

I may be deaf, but I can still listen to and understand the concept of good music. Your signs wonderfully capture the beauty of this song.

[@meganbergman9225]

I absolutely love your videos! I am a behavioral tutor for special needs children and they love your songs because while they are on varying levels of verbal language, most of them understand basic sign language. Some student just get up and dance during signing time, but some really enjoy your videos as a learning tool! Thank you for your amazing effort - it truly shows!!

[@CaptainValor]

Megan Naides Wow! Thank you for sharing this, Megan. Say hello to all your students for me! ^_^

[@The1ne2020]

Megan Naides you go girl

[@winryrockbell4327]

Believe is the most beautiful asl word.

[@meganluck9132]

I like that you use great facial expressions, Not all of the signers do this and it is really hard to follow them. I love your zombie song, it cracks me up.

[@PhantasmicEntity]

Your songs are such an inspiration. In my own ASL class our final project was a signed song and you videos helped me so much in learned translation and sign placement. This is a beautiful language, so expressive and honest. It is truly amazing. Thank you for taking the time to do this. :)

[@CaptainValor]

PhantasmicEntity Thank you! Glad I could help, and I totally agree it's a beautiful language. ^_^

[@summerfadestowinter]

Jessica, he is signaling the pitch of the beginning notes, the higher his hand the higher the pitch.

[@dvaenichols8042]

+CaptainValor I know I'm late to see this but you are truly incredible!!! I love you and your videos 😁😁💗😁💗😄

[@daphneerskine6345]

I am literally doing the exact same thing right now!! Except for the fact that although you probably practiced a lot before your presentation, I have not. my project is due tomorrow, and this is the second night that I'm practicing. I'm so good at life right now... :/

[@weetdirt]

0:40, he becomes a velociraptor.

[@raevynraiyne]

😆 I'm going to think of that every time I see that part now. 😆

[@emmamckinley736]

I want to marry you (I thought you should know)

[@demelzamason1947]

Emma McKinley I think you'll have to fight off the crowd! 😂 He is awesome though :)

[@matthewdouglas2467]

Ok Buddy there is one thing. As member of the hearing but ASL community I have to say that songsign is awesome. You are too. The community as a whole feels that you are doing it wrong and that's ok. Songsign is about interpretation not conversation. There are many videos out there where you can learn conversation ASL not songsign. You do a great job in expressing yourself and the lyrics presented. Keep doing what your doing kid.

[@_moonglow]

I love how you add the lyrics and literal translation of the signs because I'm learning ASL and it helps me so much. It also helps that this is one of my favorite songs c:

[@BohoHobo]

This is such a wonderful song, and I guess I'm just in a good mood! My nephew was born today!

[@CaptainValor]

Auriana Andres OMG CONGRATULATIONS :D

[@jslandis919]

I have watched this over and over. I think this is so beautiful!

[@CaptainValor]

Thanks! Keep incrementing that view count plz. ;D

[@heidijeffs4307]

I love that you include the lyrics and gloss with your songs - great work!

[@CaptainValor]

Yay! Glad you appreciate that. It's extra effort, but I believe it adds tremendous value. ^_^

[@cerrismatic]

It has been 8 years since I first saw this video, and I keep coming back. I honestly just love the way you sign, you’re face is so expressive, and I’ve yet to find another KZbin channel that made it as easy for me to learn how to sign a song.

[@meibuchanan5021]

I've been signing for almost 20 years, I have 2 deaf siblings and teach at a high school and personally you are one of the most impressive signers I've seen especially doing an interpretive and not literal signing of a song. Your facial expressions are stellar and whoever taught you should be proud of themselves. They did an awesome job. It's even more impressive to me since you're a guy, there's not many male interpreters out there. Kudos, keep up the good work!

[@tessf3158]

Excellent job! I've been signing for 5 years but its rare to see someone with as much emotion and grace as you! This is simply wonderful! (I'm subscribing!) :D

[@CaptainValor]

Thank you very much, Tess! ^_^

[@natalieavo]

I have always been in love with ASL, but I believe I just fell a little deeper.

[@myintrusivethots]

Right???!!!! c: lol

[@victoriakeith4680]

Subscribe me and in a few days I'm gonna upload a video of me signing (together) song

[@prinxej5390]

Having the lyrics next to the signs used is so helpful omg I could cry 😭 tysm

[@highcotton63664]

A beautiful song made even more beautiful with ASL.

[@Angelboymom]

You make signing fun!!! I have a 16 year old son who is non-verbal. He loves your signing. We love Party in the USA. Hope to see lots more!

[@miss9maleena]

I'm hard of hearing ASL was my first language :) love love love!!! Wonderful job!

[@brianapintor4447]

Thank you so much for including ASL captions in your description! I am a 5th grade teacher and occasionally show my students sign language so I wanted to show them a video and how the lyrics are not always translated identically with the signs!

[@themuse1826]

Thank you so much for providing the GLOSS! I'm in my first year of ASL and am learning this song. Your translation is beautiful and I am trying to learn it so I can sign it in front of my class. I'm so glad you provided the GLOSS because I feel like I am actually learning the signs you show now that I know their direct translations.

[@phoenixwest72]

All I can say is absolutely incredible! You are such an inspiration to me as a slow learner. I have only learned the key words and some connections. I hope to be a signer one day, you and all the others are helping me one step at a time. Thank you! ~♥

[@CaptainValor]

WOW! Thank you. Keep it up! ^_^

[@bellebirkofer7875]

THAT WAS AMAZING!!

[@TamarRei]

I love that the subtitles show how it's actually said in ASL and doesn't let people to assume that you're signing the exact words of the song.

[@asddfghhjkllnothing418]

Imm a deaf adult with cochlearimplant and want to learn ASL finally and stumbled on this video and its great... makes me more enthusiastic about learning my language :) thank you

[@bookbanana101]

My roommate and I are amazed- this was so fantastic!

[@CaptainValor]

Haha, thanks y'all!

[@Hegnefe]

You are doing a great job, I like the way you sign, my daughter is deaf and I need to learn more signs and your videos are helping me a lot.

[@rockdocandlittlebird5974]

Over a decade and this is still fantastic. I watched this the first time during a very hard time in my life and both the song and your ASL interpretation was a bright point.

[@Alec4zam]

Watching this really makes me appreciate how much of an art form ASL really is

[@gregppg]

I wish he still made ASL videos he should not care what other people say I think. I am still wondering on what had happen to him after the Barton journey.I am not deaf my self but I love his videos even if you are deaf or not you might like his videos too.If people think he is disrespecting the language then they are wrong in my opinion, I think he is making the language better. I love what Stephen did I hope he will change his mind to make more videos.😄 From:Mina a 10 year old girl. In Oregon

[@97401oregon]

Gregory Pierce love this! People are to easily offended these days, FREE SPEACH

[@amberagagnier6824]

How is he disrespecting the language?

[@brisavarela6852]

@@amberagagnier6824 it's mainly the the deaf community I am hard of hearing and some in the deaf community won't even accept hard of hearing people now immagine with hearing people. It's mainly a pride and I believe also an ignorant thing hearing or non hearing should learn the language it's really an expressive and beautiful language

[@marymichael5791]

I love how you incorpret facial expression. It is wonderfuk

[@DevinSoukey]

Mary Michael well with signing, you have to also use your face and head

[@Texage74]

I may or may not be crying because of the combined beauty of this and the Tweedles right now.

[@jonathanblaylock5938]

This is absolutely beautiful. I get goosebumps every time I watch

[@Satisfyedeyes]

I've seen this song signed a couple different ways but I've never seen the music incorporated so well into the signing! Freaking awesome, keep it up! DFTBA

[@CaptainValor]

That's TOTALLY what I intend. Glad you enjoy it for that, and will do! :D

[@socialtitan3706]

Lol I remember back in my 5th grade talent show a few kids did this. They got 2nd place and a dance group that I was in got last place XD we were pretty bad and I'm just cringing thinking about it now lol.

[@ravenclawgirl542]

(runs away to prepare for talent show)

[@funcats1999]

that was so me. or did i do party in the usa in canada.

[@user-xp3wv9gx2g]

Felt like revisiting this old gem. The ASL for "fireflies" is so cute!

[@yari1aimee5]

I absolutely love this and all of your videos!!

[@arianabrrrr]

I think I've found the love of my life 😍😍😂😂

[@alessiopellegrino6156]

-Ariana Rocha yoooo

[@kristenhanisch8508]

Hey, did you know people are writing academic articles about you? You should look up "Songs for Hands: Analyzing Interactions of Sign Language and Music" written by Anabel Maler.

[@semily91]

Absolutely fabulous! Thanks for posting this!

[@AuralJRockInvasion]

I love the song by itself, but the ASL adds an element that makes it truly beautiful. Thank you for this.

[@blueturtle3623]

This is my new eye bleach for horrible ASL covers.

[@reallyseriously7020]

I try to be appreciative for free content. Besides he's adorable.

[@___KIT__]

This is so beautiful! I loved this so much!

[@gothdoc13]

thank you for doing this!

[@K3nBrad]

I love the way his eyes are and his expressions its so amazing and hes so good at this

[@jackson6677]

what a great job i loved every second of it, i cant stop watching it!

[@jillybean823]

this is ten kinds of perfect. thank you so much

[@Oneluck13]

Dude, you are GREAT!!!! Finally I can hear my favorite song. Thanks bro!

[@meriatonB]

This is so incredibly beautiful! Thank you so much for your gorgeous rendition!

[@friekazoid092]

This is absolutely amazing! Respect, you're a legend!

[@bethharvey362]

I think that this is my favorite song that you do! Keep doing what you do. It's so awesome!

[@crazytrain86]

Seen a ton of ASL music videos, yours are by far my favorites. Love how expressive you are when signing. Keep up the good work!

[@leisawalker3066]

Love, love, love this! Clear signing, very animated face, and in time with the audio, and subtitles. Great teaching for those of us who desire learn asl, or be fluent in it, but need it slowed down a bit at first. Thank you! Great video!

[@missprincessemily]

I love it!!!!!!! Keep making more ASL videos. They're amazing!!!!!!

[@AlFrEDo-EllIs]

Dude, you killed it! Great job.

[@aidenvendz]

the captions are so helpful, thank you so much!

[@thedancingpenguins]

This was so beautiful it made me cry. Thank you for posting. You did an amazing job.

[@NhiNguyen-hh7xg]

this is just amazing, you give me hope

[@Artemistj3]

I love this! Your facial expressions are awesome. You make the song even better.

[@gracejr13]

This is absolutly beautiful! Very well done!

[@chaylapowers8338]

I appreciate you doing this for me and others

[@WackySketch]

I just really love how u put so much enthusiasm and emotion in to the songs you do!! Keep it up dude!

[@maddogrox99]

This is the best thing ever you are absolutely incredible!!

[@brookiecookie5617]

ive watched all your videos a million times and this one is still by far my favorite

[@moondancer5000]

you are amazing ! i love your expressions, thank you - you have an amazing gift.

[@iamintheprocess]

Right on man. I can see passion in your signs. Thank you for posting this :)

[@kmhamon]

I've been signing for year---that was so beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing your talent with so many

[@FoxyFryGames]

Thank you so much for including captions of the signs used! :D

[@Dionmusci]

i loved the beginning! one hand going to the beat, the other hand to the twinkling sounds! so cute!

[@BionicBear88]

Absolutely stunning.

[@kaidyn2009]

Absolutely amazing. Cannot watch without smiling!

[@5kidsinthishouse]

14 years later and I still frequently pull this video up. I only hope to be able to interpret songs like this one day.

[@udechukwu1]

This was beautifully done, BRAVO!!!

[@green5sing]

Just beautiful...

[@TracyT1212]

You did an awesome job! I haven't done asl in so many years, but the way you do it makes me want to relearn! Thanks for being such an inspiration! :)

[@dyingcrimsonroses]

Amazing, you so expressive in your movements and in your face, great job!!!

[@mnmzlvr16]

Learning how to sign. I love how you give the lyrics and give the signs you sign underneath of it. It's really been helping me greatly. thanks soooo much!!!!!

[@Tikisomia]

Very beautiful! I'm glad that you did this song because it is such a beautiful song and I think that it's cool you did this so people who can't hear or can't hear well can enjoy the beat of the music and the words of the song.

[@Astrotdog]

Loved the video -- really appreciate the closed captioning for the ASL impaired but learning.

[@StarlightRequiem]

I love the way you sign. It's adorable.

[@minnesotawildfan95]

I learned this song in ASL last year! Great job(: Im loving watching you sign

[@alexmaya1732]

Oh. my. gosh.. this was AMAZING!! it was so beautiful 😍😍

[@issie0]

Thankyou so much, very helpful :) I love watching people sign songs in ASL, its beautiful. I'm currently learning it.

[@heathercolebaby09]

amazing. i don't even normally like this song, but I am actually compelled to watch this again because of how well you performed it. :)

[@JeCrois367]

Watching you sign is magical. Love.

[@carissablizzard6872]

GAHHHHH THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!! AND YOU ARE ON BEAT EVERY SEC! AMAZING! AND I LOVE HOW YOU DID THE BEGINING!!!!

[@JohnHinestheExperience]

Wow. That was pretty great. Your signs are so clear that even as a very new student I can follow along. Thanks for your hard work! I will definitely be using this and the gloss to learn. Thanks a lot!!

[@victoriapatterson8789]

The emotion that you put into signing is captivating! Inspirational :)

[@EnigmaticBibliophile]

This is probably the coolest thing I've ever seen, and thank you for the gloss, it really helped to understand it all better.

[@relativelyincorrect]

I just stumbled upon these videos, I am not deaf but this is actually enjoyable to watch.

[@MattFrame]

This Stephen Torrence is totally ADORABLE! Great work on the video!

[@svscrib8922]

Why is this the most 2000s thing ever? I love it, great job!🙏

[@teagan8235]

something abt this man makes me so happy.