The Alchemist by Mistaken Identity published on 2016-11-24T21:50:52Z The story: A rock-musical adaptation of the best-selling book "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho Background: The Alchemist is essentially our attempt at writing a rock-musical within a pop context. I had just finished the book and the protagonist, Santiago, really resonated with me. The book was gifted to me. My god-sis found that I was quite lost and needed some direction. I actually have a couple of copies of the book now because I tend to buy them at airport bookstores for flights. Tim had also begun taking his guitar playing a lot more seriously. He always did, but it was around this time that he really formalised his learning by plowing through theory books. We took as somewhat classical approach to the song. I went to the library to borrow tapes on musicals because we didn't have Youtube. Tim was listening to more classical music. Jon and Jarell had always known what they were doing. It somehow always came more naturally to them when determining the vibe of a song. The intro and first verse were written to capture the feeling of a monologue on stage. Because, the song loosely follows the three-act structure (of a play), the breakdown was heavier to represent the confrontation of a second act. The chorus was written last since the song ends with it. We actually had a lot of trouble writing it because M.I.’s approach to choruses was always “big, loud and preferably catchy”. If I remember correctly, we'd actually finalised the guitar parts and Jarell came up with the idea to do a drummer-boy baroque-style beat with only the snare. We loved it, so Tim and Jon adapted. Harun recorded the bass and we demanded a brief solo from him. - Illyas Trivia: - The Alchemist is Jon's favourite M.I. song. - Tim did not provide vocals for the song because we wanted to remain true to the source material. Santiago was alone on his journey. Lyrics: Wandering lost, wondering where this road will take me A shepherd boy no different from his sheep This fork might bend, but will it shape for me? To each his own, so I'll dethrone the destiny that life has set for me Don't cry Fall into my arms, I'll sing you to sleep In time, I will return to you my queen The eastern sky has lightened to mourn the night Omens have spoken, nothing will break my stride In search of a treasure residing beyond the brine No reprieve, I don't need relief Faith has kept me on my feet Cos there is nothing I won't give To feel so alive Credits Written by: Timothy Adalia, Jonathan Chua, Illyas Lim Effandi, Jarell Monteiro & Harun Rashid Lyrics by: Illyas Lim Effandi Vocals: Illyas Lim Effandi Guitars: Timothy Adalia Guitars & Keyboards: Jonathan Chua Bass: Harun Nur Rashid Drums: Jarell Monteiro Recorded and Produced by Neil Lim Genre Alternative Rock
