Danny Elfman

Lyrics

[JACK]
There are few who deny at what I do I am the best
For my talents are renowned far and wide
When it comes to surprises in the moonlit night
I excel without ever even trying
With the slightest little effort of my ghost-like charms
I have seen grown men give out a shriek
With the wave of my hand and a well-placed moan
I have swept the very bravest off their feet

Yet year after year, it's the same routine
And I grow so weary of the sound of screams
And I, Jack, the Pumpkin King
Have grown so tired of the same old thing

Oh, somewhere deep inside of these bones
An emptiness began to grow
There's something out there far from my home
A longing that I've never known

I'm a master of fright and a demon of light
And I'll scare you right out of your pants
To a guy in Kentucky, I'm Mister Unlucky
And I'm known throughout England and France
And since I am dead I can take off my head
To recite Shakespearean quotations
No animal nor man can scream like I can
With the fury of my recitations
You might also likeBut who here would ever understand
That the Pumpkin King with the skeleton grin
Would tire of his crown? If they only understood
He would give it all up if he only could

Oh, there's an empty place in my bones
That calls out for something unknown
The fame and praise come year after year
Does nothing for these empty tears

If you're a fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas, you know that the soundtrack is one of the most iconic parts of the movie. Danny Elfman, the film's composer and singer of Jack's voice, created a wide variety of tracks for the movie, including the heartbreaking "Jack's Lament".

"Jack's Lament" is a ballad that serves as Jack Skellington's "I want" song. It's during this piece that Jack makes his feelings about Christmas known. Jack is tired of the same old routine every year and wants something new. He's the Pumpkin King, but he feels like there's more to life than just Halloween. His emotions are laid bare in the lyrics of the song, painting a vivid picture of a character who longs for something different.

About Jack’s Lament

The mournful tune starts with a soft, slow melody that's sung almost like a whisper. Danny Elfman's voice is almost haunting as he starts to sing. The lyrics begin with Jack lamenting that there's "something wrong" with his world, despite being the Pumpkin King. The song's first verse paints a picture of a sad and frustrated Jack who wants something more than just Halloween.

The song's instrumental accompaniment is equally stunning. Soft piano and string melodies are played as the song progresses. The backing of a choir adds to the sadness of the melody, enveloping the listener in the depth of Jack's sadness and longing for something more.

The choruses of "Jack's Lament" are the real standout, though. The first is where Jack sings, "Oh, somewhere deep inside of these bones/An emptiness began to grow." During the second chorus, lyrics are changed to add an extra somber layer of meaning: "But who here would ever understand/That the Pumpkin King with the skeleton grin/Would tire of his crown, if they only understood/He'd give it all up if he only could."

As the song goes on, the lyrics become even more heart-wrenching. Jack speaks of how he's seen rain fall from the sky and wishes he could experience Christmas, as he sees it as the solution to his emptiness. The last line of the song shows his desperation, with Jack saying he would give "anything" to experience the holiday.

One of the unique aspects of "Jack's Lament" is how it's written. It's almost like a soliloquy, with Jack speaking to himself in the lyrics. It's not a typical musical theater piece, but rather a song that genuinely captures the essence of the character and his desires.

Danny Elfman's work on "Jack's Lament" is truly stunning. The song manages to capture a sense of longing and heartbreak that's difficult to put into words. The song, when combined with stunning visuals of Jack in the movie, is an unforgettable experience that's seared into the memories of anyone who sees it.

The song's emotional power has resulted in it being a beloved classic song in the Halloween and Christmas lexicon. It's a piece that's stood the test of time and remains as hauntingly beautiful now as it was when first released.

In short, "Jack's Lament" is a must-listen for anyone who's a fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack or interested in the character of Jack Skellington. It's a song that showcases Danny Elfman's phenomenal talent and captures the emotional struggle of a character who's trying to find his place in the world.

• Release Date: October 12, 1993
• Artist: Danny Elfman