Speechless

By Bella Visi
Directed by Brandi Cook
Arranged by Jacob Narverud

From Disney’s live-action remake of Aladdin (2019) comes this powerful anthem for everyone who has felt unheard, belittled, or silenced. Originally composed by Alana Menken in 1992, Speechless was resurrected for the 2019 film with lyrics rewritten by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman).

Featuring

Madeline Eidson, Annebel Matthews

Ensemble

Megan Belisle, Eliza Buhrley, Julia Butikofer, Addi Chandler, Madeline Eidson, Annebel Mathews, Lillie Perry, Aubrey Salyards, Megan Sant, Holland Stull, Brooklynn Thomas, Olivia Walker, Emily Young

Bella Visi is Cantus Youth Choirs’ premier all treble individually-miked ensemble. Bella Visi combines full range tight harmonies with dynamic choreography for inspirational and impactful performances. Cantus Youth Choirs is a non-profit community youth program for 8-18 year old youth of Idaho’s Boise area. To learn more about Cantus Youth Choirs, please visit cantusyouthchoirs.com.

Credits

As performed by Naomi Scott
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Arranged by Jacob Narverud
Directed by Keith McCauley and Annie Roberts
Produced by Cantus Youth Choirs
Single art by Keith McCauley
Instrumental recording by Jason Ringelstetter of Tonic Room Studios
Vocal recordings by Josh Starita
Final mix and mastering by Scott Shattuck
Licensing secured by Easy Song Licensing

Instrumentalists

Brookann Hessing, violin 1
KeAndra Harris, violin 2
Brooke Michelson, viola
Elijah King, cello
Nick McClain, double bass
Keith McCauley, piano
Michael Seifrit, electric bass
Esteban Anastasio, guitar
Jason Ringelstetter, drums

Lyrics

Here comes a wave meant to wash me away
A tide that is taking me under
Swallowing sand, left with nothing to say
My voice drowned out in the thunder

But I won’t cry
And I won’t start to crumble
Whenever they try
To shut me or cut me down

I won’t be silenced
You can’t keep me quiet
Won’t tremble when you try it
All I know is I won’t go speechless
‘Cause I’ll breathe
When they try to suffocate me
Don’t you underestimate me
‘Cause I know that I won’t go speechless

Written in stone
Every rule, every word
Centuries old and unbending
“Stay in your place”
“Better seen and not heard”
But now that story is ending

‘Cause I cannot start to crumble
So come on and try
Try to shut me and cut me down

I won’t be silenced
You can’t keep me quiet
Won’t tremble when you try it
All I know is I won’t go speechless, speechless
Let the storm in
I cannot be broken
No, I won’t live unspoken
‘Cause I know that I won’t go speechless

Try to lock me in this cage
I won’t just lay me down and die
I will take these broken wings
And watch me burn across the sky
Hear the echo saying:

I won’t be silenced
Though you wanna see me tremble when you try it
All I know is I won’t go speechless, speechless
‘Cause I’ll breathe
When they try to suffocate me
Don’t you underestimate me
‘Cause I know that I won’t go speechless

All I know is I won’t go speechless, speechless

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