the greatest song ever written...

[@TimWaurickMusic]

In honor of this year 3 anniversary of me posting a weekly video, I wanted to share my favorite song. In many ways, it's tragic, yet also so hopeful. A trait that often sums up the journey of life. Yet in the end, hope and love prevails! This was masterfully composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. I’ve recorded other arrangements of this song on albums, but this one holds a special place in my heart. I heard 1992 International Champions, Keepsake sing this version before I even knew what “West Side Story” was. And it hooked me on barbershop! This was arranged by Larry Autenreath…and then Keepsake put their own spin on an already amazing tag by Freddie King. This is still my favorite tag to sing…especially on baritone. Thank you for watching and supporting my journey! I hope you love this one…my favorite song, my favorite tag! For those who are so inclined, please join my Patreon to help me take my social presence to the next level! www.patreon.com/TimWaurick

[@BubaLabinski223]

That’s wild the last two measures of the tag was Freddie King arrangement of somewhere because when I was in the course in our quartet, we did Freddy King arrangement and believe me they’re both great arrangements

[@thtbubbles]

I adore this song, too! As you say, beautiful message that resonates.. And woop woop for baritone! 😉🙌🏼 Thanks - this is so gorgeous.

[@virtualbeck]

0:00

[@jeffselano2300]

Amazing. No BS. When this Keepsake cd came out I snagged it right away. I was having a rough day and I went for a drive and popped it in for the first time and listened to it from start to finish. My mood changed completely. However when I got to this song and this tag my brain melted. On the "some how-ow" swipe in the tag I was so overwhelmed I had to pull my truck off the road. This is now one of my fav tags of all time. Great job my friend and thank you.

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Thank YOU, my friend!! I remember where I was the first time I heard this song/tag. Life changing!

[@delcoy71]

@@TimWaurickMusic Me too and then I sang top tenor on this one on a cruise ship and this recording brought me RIGHT BACK THERE. Thanks for this, Tim!

[@tomshehidmusic4227]

I love that you include the score with your posts. Your voice, along with the sheet music, is always sight reading/singing heaven. Really impressed with your work, Tim!

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Thanks so much! Believe it or not, the score takes a good amount of work so I'm glad you like it!!

[@michaelact]

"Sight reading/singing heaven" is the perfect description!

[@borisvandruff7532]

If Bernstein wrote a barbershop arrangement for this song, I think it would be this one. Exquisitely arranged, exquisitely sung by a generational vocal talent in Mr. Tim Waurick.

[@imag1n342]

Your tuning on every held chord is just so immaculate

[@teentagger]

This is so hard-hitting and emotional. To know that it's the song that hooked Tim into Barbershop and him singing it so beautifully is really poetic. Just to think that every single person in the Barbershop community has that one song which they hold close to their hearts because it lured them into this wonderful world of Barbershop is something that really strikes a chord with me (no pun intended). What a wonderful choice of a song to be your favourite, Tim, and what a choice it is to sing it on your 3rd anniversary of POSTING weekly (pun intended this time). Here's to 3 more years of Tim every week! ❤

[@TimWaurickMusic]

hahaha I see what you did there. Seriously, thank you so much for the encouragement and kind words!

[@GeorgeTrudeau]

Tim! Chills, sir. Thank you.

[@unoun807]

Yes! i was waiting for you to upload this song, Tim! And I always encourage your musical journey In south korea!😊

[@vanislescotty]

Wow, I love the backstory on this song and it's connection to your beginnings with Barbershop music. Shout out to Keepsake for unintentionally recruiting you to this genre of music. For me it might be The Suntones and Danny Boy. Music can be such a personal experience.

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Suntones singing Danny Boy is one of my all time favorites. Missing Geno!

[@romankingbhs]

One of the greatest single barbershop songs on any album ever. That Entertainer cut had me playing it on loop at work when I first heard it. What a rendition, Tim - these full mixes are such a luxury

[@nauticaltardigrade7520]

This song was stuck in my head recently, unprompted, and so I've been musing to myself about how sublime it is. And then this video drops! Obviously it's an immense joy to see you calling it the greatest song ever written and absolutely bathing in its harmonies while respecting its ideas. Thank you for this performance!!

[@greenberry6019]

What a song choice and what a stunning performance. Musical theatre and barbershop are both treasures of musical creativity, and you, Mr. Waurick, are a true talent.

[@grunda]

This was one of the first tags I was taught by the great Jim Bagby back in the late 90s. After that, I was hooked. You nailed it as always, Tim.

[@willissellars6304]

This is amazing and brings back a flood of memories from my earlier days in organized music. Story is TLDR for a comment here, but I found myself inspired and subscribed immediately. I'm looking forward to exploring your channel more!

[@alexandersackett745]

This is my favorite musical of all time. It would be a dream to act in a showing of west side story

[@OrdinaryLatvian]

Hell of a tag. I love that slide up at ~2:13. Amazing as always, Tim.

[@gabbieblue]

yes! i was in my schools production of west side story and this was by FAR my favourite song

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Very cool! You have good taste!!

[@gabbieblue]

@@TimWaurickMusic i also love your version of somethings coming

[@SlyYe11owGuy]

Oh how I love a good full voice 3rd! Love it Tim. One of my fav Keepsake charts. Loved how you also went full voice in the fantasy quartet when y’all sang this at the afterglow. (BOOM!) ❤

[@TimWaurickMusic]

hahaha thank you, my friend!!

[@steveziki]

Stunning! Somehow, some day, we'll hear Tim bless us with the Westside Story Medley from the Suntones! My god that would be incredible!

[@shellyu320]

Tears of gratitude for you sharing your gift with us!💜

[@hampus7474]

What a coincidence that this is your favorite song since it’s my favorite one from your albums and one of my favorite songs in general.

[@mikelafleur441]

Great Job. I love that slide at bar 33 to a maj7, and that almighty 5th @ 35!

[@PatrickWatson-x3r]

Beautiful Tim!! I've heard various quartets and choruses do variations of this one but the one that stood out to me (before today) the most was Keepsake's version. You rocked this one, as usual, and I've played it through several times already (and played the tag another dozen times after that). :) Thank you for all you do!!

[@davideagle89]

My quartet, Four Fellers, just did this tag this week at HI. Love it. Thanks for posting. This makes it easy to convince the other fellers to pick up this song.

[@lorenesinclair456]

Wowzer!! ❤. The melody gets challenged by spectacular harmony in a few spots but somehow it still brings shivers!! Beautiful.

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Thank you!!

[@bethelwert-voelker6589]

I love , love , love this song from you!!!! Makes me 🥲❤

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Thank you, Bethy!! Love you!!

[@LarryGWhite-oz7wk]

As an actor in theater, 3:04 this Musical has always been one of my favorites. Thanks Tim for the memories. Great job 👏 Pal...LG

[@epikman_4205]

beautiful arrangement as always

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Thank you!!

[@adamcampbell8056]

Gorgeous. Love the harmonies. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you!

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Thanks so much, Adam!!

[@simchadanielburstyn2137]

Fantastic arrangement. Tim, I still can't believe you can sing all the parts. Hats off to you.

[@DarianBornmann]

Amazing as always Tim!!!

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Thank you!!

[@GeorgeFreese-k3i]

Tim, I love and enjoy all of your songs. This one was great. I especially like “When She Loved Me”.

[@gojigal03]

Never fails goosebumps every time Tim releases a new clip!

[@TheBurlesonsw]

My dad took us to SPEBSQSA Barbershop contests in the 60’s up and down the East coast. One year the winning quartet sang this and it blew my mind to hear a “show tune” with barbershop arrangement. Love your versions too!

[@BarbershopChris]

Absolutely beautiful, well done Tim!

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Thank you, Chris!!

[@PiercingSight]

I love singing the Max Q version. It's so much fun, and has so many beautiful harmonies. Many similarities in the bassline with this one. This version is just as beautiful, with some wonderful twists! Thanks for sharing!

[@shawnfurl4854]

Always nice to see a classic

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Thanks, Shawn!!

[@coastermad13]

The first time you did Go The Distance brought me here. And I've had notifications on ever since 👌

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Wow thanks so much!! I appreciate you!!

[@AbysmalEnd]

Your number 1 fan here first!

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Thank you!!!

[@davidgbrockway]

"Tragic, yet hopeful" is such a beautiful way to describe this incredible piece. I really needed to hear this one this week... Thank you, Tim!

[@BABSollie]

We sing this in chorus… it is absolutely amazing!! And your singing Tim makes it even more amazing!

[@SignatureStampsFan]

My favorite tag. We were singing this in a stairwell at the Indiana Harmony Brigade this weekend. That 5th is to die for. Great job! Congratulations!

[@dalelynn9433]

Listening to this song on repeat and just hearing new nuances each time. My first time hearing this was way back with the Westminster Fantasy Quartet. I had to have watched it 25 times...another awesome job!! Seems like you picked a pretty good hobby. 😅

[@drewdurf8583]

Yes! The first tag I fell in love with, perfectly executed!

[@brysonclough1738]

I might like this more than the original version you did of this

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Thank you!!

[@gipskull]

Brilliant work !

[@mariegreen2203]

Beautiful as always.

[@ILoveLowC]

Stunningly beautiful!

[@sherisart7829]

I am not sure there was 'a' song that hooked me. I can say that my dad and grandfather sang bbshop all their lives and there was a time when I would say "oh, another bbshop record😬" that changed to "oh, another bbshop record😁🙌 (cd) and can I borrow it?" This is one of my favourites and beautifully sung Tim 💕

[@carolynbenkowitz9462]

It certainly is one of the best songs ever written and very timely in this period of adjustment to new leadership and the changes that I believe will follow.

[@karengilliland2439]

Beautiful Tim, thank you!

[@AndrewMycol]

You know it's a good day when Tim posts!

[@aaronmusic01]

This is perfect. Just perfect...

[@tottiman3939]

my god that's so in tune! i cant comprehend how to sing this good... im trying!

[@juanf.crespo2639]

Yes there is a place. Thank you, from all of us!

[@masterbridgemaster1]

Beautiful!

[@charisamartin2152]

2:29 that duet gets me 🥹

[@ericwarncke]

Sometimes this song can make me cry

[@mawgateway]

I don't know about "the greatest song ever written." But I'd be willing to bet that may be the best that song has ever been performed.

[@TimWaurickMusic]

You're very kind!

[@lindyeatwell9434]

Goosebumps baby. 😅

[@latitudenattitudeguy]

Outstanding! I keep hoping to hear a milked out rendition of Amazing grace

[@chrispsotka674]

Love this version! The last part reminds me of Maria, Somewhere Medley from Features. Minus the 40 second post 😅

[@guibox3]

When I first heard Keepsake hit that chord change at 2:17-2:20, my arms broke out in goosebumps and my lip quivered. Still one of my favorite chord changes in all the BBS music I've heard and sung.

[@coolbob0011]

The gates of heaven just opened and I got hit by the full force of it.

[@michaelweinberg698]

A beautiful song by Karen Carpenter. Tim, my quartet sang this song (pretty squarely, as Karen did) on our annual Christmas show in Boise. I really prefer your interpretation- so tenderly, sweetly performed. Bravo!

[@LeadBariBass]

Pardon my language but... fucking perfect!

[@TimWaurickMusic]

hahahaha! Thank you!

[@Brosskifle]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@lynnfrank5462]

I have no words today, Tim. Every single comment I’ve posted holds true in this one agonizingly beautiful tag. Add them up to together and you’ll have my comment for this song. Stunning! ✨💖😢💫

[@Sumner18]

Somewhere, there's more subscribers for Tim!

[@IC-vq9sz]

Personally, the "she's out of my life" one is my favourite.

[@bigdadspider]

I thought I would lose it at the tag......no wait.... I did!! Still waiting for the goosebumps to subside....

[@MineTroopa]

IT’S TUESDAY!!!!!!!!!!

[@tomacf]

Amazing job, as usual, Tim! Where can we buy the sheet music for this arrangement?

[@kauemiqueias4871]

do Lay Down please

[@tims4887]

2:27 Bluegrass Student Union would be proud

[@davidparris7167]

huh!

[@brysonclough1738]

Where's that Christmas album 😤

[@TimWaurickMusic]

I have some of the songs recorded! This year has been a bit challenging personally, but still have a goal to release one someday. Shooting for next year! BUT some of the songs might be here on the channel this year! :)

[@prof-3]

Your favorite song? Nice. You must’ve lost it when David Phelps released this this past year.

[@coastermad13]

That chord on bar 33...

[@Grstn-Grstn]

How many ways are there to say "I love this" in English?

[@troysweeet]

Tim, are your arrangements part of your patreon?

[@troysweeet]

I love trying to sing them with my friends

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Sorry I didn't reply sooner. Sometimes the sheet music is available to gold members on Patreon, but only when I can get approval from an arranger. Part specific learning tracks are a part of the Patreon though.

[@jayblueguy9932]

Can i ask why there are different versions of the same song? Like, there's this Keepsake "Somewhere", and there's the "Somewhere" on your spotify, and there's "Maria x Somewhere" What explains this?

[@alancrews2066]

Tim. When I think you can't impress me anymore, you do. Shazam!

[@yankeecornbread8464]

This song always made me wish a younger couple I know would get back together, but no. All the more poignant.

[@TommyCollins-qv4yi]

Tim, you said, "In many ways, it's tragic, yet also so hopeful. A trait that often sums up the journey of life. Yet in the end, hope and love prevails!" Then what? you said this but what is the point? Hope for what? So many people say these kinds of things and stop right where you did. Unfinished explanations of life after death must be truthfully revealed for where this hope comes from-God? Why do so many people speak of hope but never use scripture? God spoke-people wrote. All we have ever had is God's Words, yet most follow the doctrines devised by men even after Jesus came and told us He Was God! Jesus spoke and we still have replaced "only what God and Jesus said" with doctrines devised by men! Billy Graham taught false doctrine to millions his entire life just like 98% of all denominations still do to this day. You are a great singer. You look like Keith Green. The Bible is true.