Waving Through a Window - Pasek and Paul - Dear Evan Hansen | Musicnotes Song Spotlight

Get the sheet music: bit.ly/2nUQp2l
Join us at SubCulture in New York City as Pasek & Paul perform "Waving Through a Window" from the profoundly contemporary, DEAR EVAN HANSEN.
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Credits:
Videography: Jordan Tetewsky (DP) and Vince Carnevale
Audio: Craig Bundy and Spencer Ward
Edited by Matt Zervos
Produced by Dan Ruff & Duncan Hearn
Special thanks to Marc Kaplan at SubCulture
Music and words by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Waving Through a Window - Pasek and Paul - Dear Evan Hansen | Musicnotes Song Spotlight

[@SabrinaJohns]

Evan Hansen, La La Land, and now the Greatest Showman!!! These guys are brilliant and on a role!!! BRAVA!

[@GamingExpert9990]

Sabrina Johns they actually wrote get back up again from trolls and they were gonna do a blue sky movie but it’s unknown if it’s still happening because nimona took over the place of that film

[@ash593]

Don't forget Dogfight, with insanely gorgeous music.

[@stormbob]

Two things: 1. Benj actually has an amazing voice. 2. It's funny to see Justin using the sheet music to play a song he wrote.

[@AlexCochraneOfficial]

I completely relate as we often have several different versions of a song in our heads. Sheet Music helps remind of the version approved.

[@fivemibal]

@@AlexCochraneOfficial Thank you for that insight. I would have never thought of that

[@Schwarzorn]

I write lyrics, and it's not like I can remember them off the top of my head usually. It's like any song: sing it enough and it becomes a part of memory. Otherwise it's as hard to remember as a lyrics I didn't write.

[@destroyerdan5478]

What about justin he is also amazing at singing

[@rachelthornton4442]

To people saying that Benj is a bad singer; most musical songwriters aren’t great singers. Songs in musicals aren’t about showing off how good a singer is. Songwriters specifically craft the song with certain notes to convey a certain emotion. It’s about telling a story. Waving Through A Window has high, soaring notes and sounds pitchy in places because it is literally Evan’s cry for help. He wants somebody hear him, so he sings high; Pasek conveys that really well when he sings. Even though it is really really important, sometimes it’s not all about the voice in musicals. Even Sondheim himself said that he’d rather hire a good actor than a good singer.

[@misspriss2482]

Yes and no. While emotion is important, you need a good singer who can do justice to that song. Benj is a decent singer; he just doesn't have Ben's range. That's OK. Emma Stone didn't have much range either and she did just fine in La La Land. However, if your actor can't sing at all and he or she is the lead in a Broadway musical, you've got a problem. You need both if that show is going to be a success. Unless the person is otherwise famous, no one is going to pay good money to listen to people who can't sing.

[@rizzofromIndo]

well said, there. *claps

[@alattadikimahbut5270]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqCweXyMlL6mmrc

[@JackGiblenSinger]

Rachie And The Waves I think he’s a good singer hahaha

[@leif1075]

@@JackGiblenSinger He is.he sounds almost as good as Ben herr

[@clairepluto2208]

When Justin joined in it was like the heavens opened, both such multi-faceted talents.

[@gramps2matt]

I can see Ryan Murphy finding a way to incorporate this song into the storyline of a character on Glee if it were still in production.

[@hendrol3512]

gramps2matt I missed Glee😍

[@cyzhouhk]

Yeah, and also This is Me from the Greatest Showman, also by these two awesome guys.

[@alexeidarling]

Darren would have probably flipped out from excitement if that had happened!

[@buckybarnes3015]

no please no. glee turned to sh**

[@misspriss2482]

+Bucky Barnes You are so correct. Once they started relying on stunt casting and picking out the music first and writing story lines around it, it was downhill from there.

[@notnormal1074]

you can tell Benj freaking love this role.

[@Dastiel4ever]

These are the same guys that did La La Land! Fantastic human beings and musical geniuses.

[@cufflink44]

For La La Land, Pasek & Paul wrote the lyrics. The music was written by Justin Hurwitz.

[@corvus1374]

And "Dogfight" and "A Christmas Story". And "Smash".

[@KurosakiKinoa]

And The Greatest Showman now!!! They are just insanely talented ;))))

[@kachang7865]

Please don't forget the best musical ever RENT!!!

[@sliceofbread6929]

and also The Greatest Showman. These guys r great I absolutely love them

[@egg1652]

Is it just me or does Benj sound like he'd be a really good country singer?!

[@chocolatesouljah]

I totally agree!

[@austinlam8145]

I agree but I dont want to

[@itkapatanka]

Catstiel he could be a good any genre singer..

[@derrickjansen5953]

It's just you

[@codasinger5298]

2:52 Ben, your country is showing

[@ee-uj5hq]

These guys wrote "City of Stars" and "This is me" from "The Greatest Showman". They are SO freaking talented!

[@umauma-ik8df]

Omg...look Benj’s sensitive face! Amazing... i saw hope and disappear in his eyes in one song I want to see Benj’s Evan! I hope he perform the role at the theatre

[@57andstillkicking]

I think he does the best acting job of anyone I’ve watched doing this song. He knows exactly how it was created to be sung.

[@mitchvox]

I hope every pianist that ever attempts to perform this song will watch this! So difficult to get the right feel in this style for a pianist without a combo.

[@martha_s]

Thank you, Pasek and Paul.

[@alexkao3439]

Its so cool to see the composers perform their own piece. You can really see them connect to the music on a whole new level.

[@agneseditsstuff]

Holy crap this is talent....speechless

[@michaelsamhat2937]

Benj can get it anytime he wants.

[@julianasuarez7687]

I don’t think I’ve ever loved Pasek and Paul more than I do when I watch this video THEY ARE SO TALENTED IN SO MANY WAYS 😭😭💙💙

[@Tevoro1962]

WOW! Totally cool to hear this performed by its originators. It's also really cool to listen to them passing the melodic line back and forth at the end. It's easier for Paul to sing the higher notes during "waving waving waving!" so Pasek takes the harmony line. So cool. Loved it.

[@Phantomnightwatcher]

I just love these two. I want to thank them for the gift of their talent and creation.

[@stephaniel2850]

Benj's voice is so gorgeous * *___* * and those harmonieees!! It's really not fair that they're as amazing as singers as they are as composers!

[@julianasuarez7687]

Their harmonies have me dead!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍

[@tshannon2052]

These guys are incredible

[@xxobrittanyg]

Those harmonies. Just take me now!

[@drogers]

They are so unbelievably talented! What a team!

[@fruityeel]

person: there's no such thing as perfect me: * slides this video across the table *

[@ernie_renee]

AmeliaPanics ok me hahaha

[@sunnyblue7800]

Just me or does justins piano version just sound so nice like wow

[@Spelpoesi]

Two unquestionable geniuses. These guys have the Midas touch. This video is like watching Lennon and McCartney, for me, and this is one of their very best songs among many masterpieces. Such a great song, with lyrics that speak to me directly and give me strength. Seeing them perform it gives the song extra depth, no matter how great Ben Platt and the other Evans are. I LOVE the harmonies in the end. Beautiful. I'm guessing there are a few songwriters here, who know exactly how hard it is to write a song like this one, that sounds simple on the surface but has a lot of small changes and subtle gospel-like "color chords" that really lifts the composition. This is the stuff of magic. These guys are so, so talented.

[@deejaypile]

I respect these 2 so much. PURE talent and skill.

[@shortysutter]

I love Benj and Justin so much!

[@KayCeeTX21]

Multi talented musicians and writers. I love to watch Justin at the piano. He’s such a dynamic player. He can’t stay in his seat sometimes! Adore them both so much!

[@sarahann74]

They better win best original score this year

[@inestorres4237]

great comet deserves that tho

[@lcs.chicago]

I've seen both and I would say Evan Hansen has the edge.

[@ncerros8145]

I have also seen both and must say that dear even Hansen wins it by a little bit

[@evanmcguire5787]

Sarah Lopez The thing about the best original score award is that people usually forget about orchestration and the instrumental part of the songs in a musical. great comet definitely deserves and will win best person this year, and I personally hope it wins score as well, because the instrumental elements are fantastic

[@irsyadmuflih18]

THEY WON!

[@justtrang5247]

kings of broadway

[@cassidygage7312]

petition for Benj to play Evan when Ben leaves

[@BBG06301]

Is he leaving sometime soon?

[@cassidygage7312]

Ashley Thompson they're all staying at least until November when their contracts expire

[@KeithS4789]

Benj Pasek is a composer, not an actor. Most composers are great singers. It's just that they are more interested in composing than performing.

[@KeithS4789]

Zack Stark I said "most" not "all."

[@cassidygage7312]

Keith Saint And Josh Groban, Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, and Brendon Urie are singers who wouldn't be considered actors and yet here they are either on Broadway, finishing up on Broadway, or coming to Broadway.

[@tommybe4059]

Working with these two would be the ultimate dream! They are amazing writers!

[@WelcomeToTheScene1]

UGH I LOVE THEMMMM. I'm so proud of them!! They're the best contemporary musical theatre composers out there.

[@regina5135]

best performance of 'waving through a window' ever! You can hear the emotion in Justin's playing and Benj's voice. And Benj's expressions... This is exactly how I've always imagined Evan. Kinda wish he would take on the role himself. Not that Ben, Noah, and Taylor aren't great.

[@PjD0150]

They are younger than I expected for some reason.

[@PaolaRL]

They are blessed with an incredible talent!

[@michelemckeemusic]

They are so talented wow

[@grantaireaghast2351]

THEY'RE LIKE, ONE PERSON SPLIT INTO TWO

[@amandakeenan1843]

I would sell my left leg to see Benj play Evan after Ben leaves

[@EliaMitzell]

benj looks like a grown up noah schnapp

[@shevyszcz6188]

elia m there both Jewish!

[@Starburst514]

Holy crap...he does...

[@charleschemtob7263]

Ha. He does.

[@leahharder9049]

FOR REALLLL!!!!!! His mannerisms and expressions too.

[@bdayrainbow7]

is no one talking about that play at 3:56 that is amazing

[@JesseBulakites]

Benj's eyes are so pretty

[@shevyszcz6188]

They inspire me so much

[@asyrdal4059]

Love the fact that these two are getting more recognized since SMASH. :,D

[@rencecalara1858]

IT'S JUST SO BEAUTIFUL AND SO MAGICAL. LITERALLY CRYING 😭😭😭😭

[@jonathanfebo3439]

Wow. I fell in love with this song the very first time I heard it on the Tonys. And it's like they play inside of my soul.

[@c.thompson6638]

Great composition and performance. Hats off to Benj and Justin and congrats on your Grammy awards.

[@CrisCrisman]

Beautifully done.

[@ILOVEJOJOVEVO]

YES

[@3kpopfan]

Thank you for writing such an amazing song!

[@ginonovanta]

Benj is beautiful!

[@MichaelHammond]

THANK YOU for this beautiful song! What a gift!

[@com2536]

They are so good!

[@tarvis344]

They are the greatest current songwriters ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@snowandbooks]

MY DUDES HE SOUNDS AMAZING IM SO PLEASANTLY SURPRISED!! I LOVE THIS

[@kevincab1]

Those harmonies!! 😍😍

[@jeremycarter2006]

I wanna see Benj as Evan !!!

[@cufflink44]

This. Is. Awesome.

[@Tracks777]

Fantastic video! Keep it up!

[@hattiepilling9317]

My favorite video right now

[@nathalitoapanta5600]

This is a treasure!!

[@knockedoutloaded279]

Great song..

[@mikojavier2435]

I am in love!!!

[@nerdandlace]

They are incredible!

[@nicholasleavitt5326]

This deserves way more views

[@soph4081]

*piano intensifies*

[@timjspencermusic]

Wow....just love this.

[@carolnascimento1203]

Awesome!

[@grantaireaghast2351]

OH MY GOD THEY'RE AWESOME

[@gyongyimezei]

Thank you for your music! :)

[@faithhundley7399]

OMGOSH THIS IS THE MOST PERFECT THING IN LIFE 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽😭😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@knockedoutloaded279]

nice song...great new writers.....

[@olly-kai]

They're stunning together. They could easily perform if they wanted to!

[@sigsin1]

Damnation that was great!

[@pdgf]

i'm crying again... on a boat...to a tropical island...on vacation...when i should be happy...then this i heard!!

[@lunar_wolfflowers]

I've learned to slam on the brake Before I even turn the key Before I make the mistake Before I lead with the worst of me Give them no reason to stare No slipping up if you slip away So I got nothing to share No, I got nothing to say Step out, step out of the sun If you keep getting burned Step out, step out of the sun Because you've learned, because you've learned On the outside, always looking in Will I ever be more than I've always been? 'Cause I'm tap, tap, tapping on the glass I'm waving through a window I try to speak, but nobody can hear So I wait around for an answer to appear While I'm watch, watch, watching people pass I'm waving through a window, oh Can anybody see, is anybody waving back at me? We start with stars in our eyes We start believing that we belong But every sun doesn't rise And no one tells you where you went wrong Step out, step out of the sun If you keep getting burned Step out, step out of the sun Because you've learned, because you've learned On the outside, always looking in Will I ever be more than I've always been? 'Cause I'm tap, tap, tapping on the glass Waving through a window I try to speak, but nobody can hear So I wait around for an answer to appear While I'm watch, watch, watching people pass Waving through a window, oh Can anybody see, is anybody waving? When you're falling in a forest and there's nobody around Do you ever really crash, or even make a sound? When you're falling in a forest and there's nobody around Do you ever really crash, or even make a sound? When you're falling in a forest and there's nobody around Do you ever really crash, or even make a sound? When you're falling in a forest and there's nobody around Do you ever really crash, or even make a sound? Did I even make a sound? Did I even make a sound? It's like I never made a sound Will I ever make a sound? On the outside, always looking in Will I ever be more than I've always been? 'Cause I'm tap, tap, tapping on the glass Waving through a window I try to speak, but nobody can hear So I wait around for an answer to appear While I'm watch, watch, watching people pass Waving through a window, oh Can anybody see, is anybody waving back at me? Is anybody waving? Waving, waving...

[@jeeves251]

Can't wait to see this. I saw Dogfight 6 times. These guys are geniuses.

[@sliceofbread6929]

Ooh Benj's version has its own nice vibe, I like it.

[@stefanhoimes8119]

Philly #represent!

[@peterfranklin7439]

Magnificent arrangement! Downloaded it from musicnotes and hopefully by next year this time I will be able to play it! (with subtle changes to accommodate my Trumpian hands of course 🙄)

[@moovzealot]

Damn, they are good

[@bessmahaneypilates8638]

This has become my favorite Broadway quarantine song....anyone else in 2020 listening?

[@janiceharris5880]

WOW!!!!!!!!! Take it over! Love Ben, but damn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@austinlam8145]

tag urself. i'm justin's head movements

[@alexs.3383]

I'm Justin's distant background vocals around 3:44 mark

[@austinlam8145]

Alex S. I would listen to hours of justin's background vocals

[@kimberlyluu245]

im country singer benj

[@alexs.3383]

cute cute cute!

[@rocknroll20024]

Wow he can sing good voice he'd be a good Evan

[@deborahelliott3376]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@tipofmytongue1024]

When I meet the wizard....once I prove my worth

[@sugarhoneyicedtea123]

Some people are too picky. He's a little rough around the edges vocally but he's got a pretty good instrument. Most songwriters don't have very good voices. He's pretty exceptional.

[@megansmith9726]

OH I'M SORRY I DIDN'T HEAR YOUR.... I WAS TO FOCUSED ON THE MUSICAL MAGIC GOING ON IN THE ROOM😂😂 THESE TWO ARE TRULY MUSICAL GENIUS'S!!!! I LOVE THEM❤️❤️❤️

[@syk6764]

Wow

[@luisalvarez2854]

I got here in a DEH search, how in hell i didn't see this guys were the writers, should've figured it out, love their work

[@DocPortland]

This was great... Writers who sing? Wow...

[@amandafarrell2855]

Wow! Super great and really tells a story of faith and a journey. For this reason it should be received and rewarded! Faith! - Godnowstarlater

[@cufflink44]

Amanda Farrell Have you actually listened to the words?

[@zackstark24601]

#PasekandPaulForTheTony

[@biomanization]

Captures the zeitgeist of a generation

[@megansmith9726]

PASEK AND PAUL FOR FOREVER!!! AM I RIGHT OR AM I RIGHT?!!!

[@corvus1374]

Damn, Benj just embodied the character.