"The Collector" is a futuristic opera by Cerrone, with all lyrics by Lene Lovich, based on an unpublished short story by Lene of the same title. The lyrics were written after the music by Cerrone.
Cerrone has first released an album called "The Collector" in 1985 (vinyl only at the time; CD release 2009), recorded in 1984. The tracks from this album's side 2 are not related to the "Collector" story.
Cerrone has first released an album called "The Collector" in 1985 (vinyl only at the time; CD release 2009), recorded in 1984. The tracks from this album's side 2 are not related to the "Collector" story.
A different album also called "The Collector" (released in 1988; CD and vinyl), contains the piece in its entirety.
The side-long title track of the 1985 release is called "Evolution" on the 1988 album (different recording than on the 1985 release).
Scroll down to the bottom of this page for the lyrics of the 1985 album's title track, which contains some extra lines that were not used for "Evolution".
After the piece has been performed at the Trocadero esplanade in Paris in September 1988, a live recording of this performance was released later in 1988. This release, titled "The Collector - Live Opera Futuriste" (CD only; also released on video cassette), has the same cover ad artwork as the 1988 studio album.
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THE COLLECTOR
CHARACTERS
The Witness
I am the independant observer who verifies all. I put forward some philosophies and questions and recognize the constant search for truth, yet I am not affected by the quest. I am interested to watch and make comment, but do not seek to play the game.
Earthalien Chorus
We are "Earthaliens" from the planet "Earthalia". Those of us who took refuge here, called this planet "Earth" to remind them of home. As centuries pass, they still refer to all strangers and newcomers as "Aliens", for they themselves were once strange and new. We have come to announce a time of enlightenment and change. The dawn of a "New Age".
The Collector
I am the voice of Earthalia. I have been invested with all knowledge and power to show our earthbound people their true identity and realize their potential. I come to help them break their chains and guide them through the dark. When they are ready, I will take them home.
Woman
I represent all Earth women. The Collector takes me back in time. Through a series of flashbacks, I recall our true history. Although I still have many questions, I begin to realize who I really am.
Man
I represent all Earth men. I am filled with doubt and confusion. The Collector reveals to me the wonder of the real world, and I begin to sense a positive change.
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A super race of alien beings is in peril, their precious world is dying. A new world must be found in order to survive. They search the universe for a new home, finally reaching Earth, their resources almost exhausted. It is far from ideal, but the only choice under the circumstances.
A few volunteer to carry on the search for a more suitable planet. The majority must wait on earth -stranded - until a better world can be found. As time goes by, the waiting aliens concentrate hard on survival. Many compromises must be made. The Future is more important than the past.
Centuries go by without communication from the search party, while generations here re-cycle and evolve. Life before Earth has been long forgotten. History has become based only on our Earthly experiences as we become more and more chained to this world. Even so, something of our original alien self still remains. Maybe that essence is what some people mean when they talk about the soul.
Now, at this stage of our evolution, natural and man-made disasters strike again and again. Many have become discontent with life on Earth. How ironic it is, that during our own restless generation the search-party has returned. The Collector has come to take us Home.
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The Witness
Every generation asks itself - who am I ?
Where did I come from ? Why am I here ?
Are we just skin and bone ?
Where is this thing called the Soul ?
Has anyone ever seen it ?
When we die - we're dead. That's it. Or is it not ?
How can something as full and complex as us, suddenly become nothing ?
What happens to all that energy and emotion ?
Did man evolve from the apes ?
Did life begin in the sea ?
Or have we always been here - just as we are today ?
So many questions. So much mystery.
It's about time we had some answers.
Don't you agree ?
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THE WITNESSThe Witness
Every generation asks itself - who am I ?
Where did I come from ? Why am I here ?
Are we just skin and bone ?
Where is this thing called the Soul ?
Has anyone ever seen it ?
When we die - we're dead. That's it. Or is it not ?
How can something as full and complex as us, suddenly become nothing ?
What happens to all that energy and emotion ?
Did man evolve from the apes ?
Did life begin in the sea ?
Or have we always been here - just as we are today ?
So many questions. So much mystery.
It's about time we had some answers.
Don't you agree ?
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Part 1
Earthalien Chorus
A new age is dawning
The glory unfolds
A new world is calling
The voice of ........
The greatest world of all
The music within us
Is echoing strong
The future is singing
The song of .........
The greatest world of all
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Part 2
The Collector
Be calm - you will come to no harm - I am "The Collector". When our ancient world was dying some of us took refuge on this primitive earth, others scanned the stars in search of the ideal.
That journey was long and confused.
But now - I have returned - to take you home
Woman
Out of a world of chaos and turmoil we arrive
Hard as it seems we must try to keep alive
Hungry to breathe we struggle to reach
the atmosphere
Hoping at least - the future is on our side
Until the day - we fly away
There's no escape - in the game of life
Few search the sky for a new way of life while we abide
Waiting for rescue, waiting to see the light
Eyes turn aside as each day becomes a memory
Best to forget the past - the future looks bright
Until the day - we fly away
There's no escape - in the game of life
Excite your mind - time after time
Move on - sing a new song
Let the music change your life
Take a new song - turn the world round
Let the energy revive
Make something happen
Don't get upset
If the goal is out of reach
Never give over - keep moving on
Never give up on the dream
The Collector
Your stories of evolution amuse us
Do not think that mankind has descended from the apes
For the apes are still apes and always will be so
The harsh conditions of earth have dulled your senses
When you are re-united you will remember your true self
Woman
Centuries flash in curious dances we design
Strange how we change our style as time goes by
Only the soul remains, the rest we win or lose
Better to start again - the future looks fine
Until the day - we fly away
There's no escape - in the game of life
Excite your mind - time after time
The Collector
You are not the first
And you will not be the last...
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Part 3
Woman
Starry eyes are open wide
As what you say
Turns the mind
Man
Is it real or fantasy
Can we believe
So much confusion
Together
Could it be we used to fly
The sky above
Looks very bright
Tonight
Earthalien Chorus
Somewhere in the dark there
Is a candle that wants to glow
In the heart there is a burning
As the memories start to flow
The Collector
It is our nature to move in circles
But the circle is not small in this great world
Make something great of all things and understand your own greatness
Do not accept your fate but learn to accept yourself
Think not of escape - but of freedom
Woman
Many minds have tried to find
A way to break
The chains of life
Man
Are you sure we can be free
Would man survive
A world of changes
Together
Suddenly we realize
The sky above
Is yours and mine
Tonight
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EARTHALIA
Part 4
Part 4
Far away stars seem so familiar, as memories of home return
Earthalia glows, wonderful and radiant
Peace and contentment rest for a time with Man and Woman,
While they enjoy the vision of a perfect world.
Earthalia glows, wonderful and radiant
Peace and contentment rest for a time with Man and Woman,
While they enjoy the vision of a perfect world.
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BREAK THE WALL
Part 5
Man
Wild are the dreams of a child
Earthalien Chorus
The channel - is open
Man
Soaring high
Earthalien Chorus
So precious - the moment
Man
Why do the dreams disappear from our lives
Earthalien Chorus
The channel - is closing
Man
Out of sight and mind
The Collector
From the day these earthly forms were borrowed
You have built around you a wall of pain and loss
Regain your vision - break down the wall
Man
Trying so hard to erase all the pain
from inside
Earthalien Chorus
The pressure - gets heavy
Man
Hold on tight
Earthalien Chorus
Remember - the message
Man
Finally leaving the tension and stress behind
Earthalien Chorus
Forever - and ever
Man
Out of sight and mind
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THE REAL WORLD
Part 6
Through the crack they have made in the wall, Man and Woman now see a very different world
A marvellous place of happiness and excitement
They watch, wide-eyed,
as The Collector shows
them all the thrills and
delights of the real world.
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LIGHT OF LOVE
Part 7
Man
Feelings so deep have entered my life
Taken control - they have opened up my eyes
Helped me to see a way through the dark
Made me believe how great we really are
The moment you found me something was changed
Inside and outside - they will never be the same
A new kind of love I now understand
Seems for me the first time I know who I am
Forever and always we hold in our heart
The beat of a dream - no one can stop
Light of love come into me
And make my life so clear to see
Fill me up so all can see
The light of love that shines in me.
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TRANSFORMATION
Part 8
Man has entered the light and the light has entered Man
He is surrounded by the welcoming spirit of Earthalia
All things seem possible
How good it feels, to be part of this great world
Life on Earth will never be the same
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THE DECISION
Part 9
Man
High are the stars in the sky
Overhead
One day we'll really be able to fly
Home again at last
The Collector
Many have called out to me
I have always answered that call
Man
There is no doubt in my mind
No regrets
One day the world will begin to return to the light
Home again at last
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UNITY, POWER AND THE PROMISE
Part 10
The Collector
Some are ready to receive
Others will take time
Even the most enlightened are trapped
I have come to release you
One by one
You have lost the sense of unity
And become slaves to your isolation
You have made yourselves seem weak
Each part is essential to the whole
Search your far memory
Recall that power
Sleeping within you all
I have kept the promise
And will continue to do so
When you have heard and understood
You will decide
I am "The Collector"
... "The Collector"
I will return
... return...
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THE GREATEST WORLD OF ALL
Part 11
Earthalien Chorus
A new age is dawning
The glory unfolds
A new world is calling
The voice of ....
The greatest world of all
The music within us
Is echoing strong
The future is singing
The song of ...
The greatest world of all
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MUSICIENS
Marc Cerrone - Charly Olins:
Synthetizer
(Emulator III - Emulator II + CD ROM - Dynacord Addone + Sampler - Sequenceur Macintosh + Performer 2.2 et 2.3 -Roland D 50 + PG 1 000 -Roland MKS 80 - PPG Wave 2 -Roland Jupiter 8 -OBXa -Minimoog -Akai 5 900 - DX 7 -Alesis HR 16)
Instruments acoustiques
(Timbales - Cymbales - Tubular Bells -Piano Steinway -Celesta -Drums and Percussions)
Steve Croes:
Synclavier
JJ "Art of Noise":
Courtesy of Chrysalis Records
FAIRLIGHT Serie 3
Paul Jackson:
Guitar
Jérémy Cerrone:
Sound Effect
INTERPRÈTES
Created, composed and produced by Marc Cerrone
Lyrics: Lene Lovich
The Collector: Bill Mitchell
Woman: Mary Hopkins
Man: Steve Overland
Earthalien Chorus: Choeurs de l'Opera de Paris
Arranged by Charly Olins
Production and Publishing: N.A.C.
Collector - Earthalia - Trade Marks
Part 5
Man
Wild are the dreams of a child
Earthalien Chorus
The channel - is open
Man
Soaring high
Earthalien Chorus
So precious - the moment
Man
Why do the dreams disappear from our lives
Earthalien Chorus
The channel - is closing
Man
Out of sight and mind
The Collector
From the day these earthly forms were borrowed
You have built around you a wall of pain and loss
Regain your vision - break down the wall
Man
Trying so hard to erase all the pain
from inside
Earthalien Chorus
The pressure - gets heavy
Man
Hold on tight
Earthalien Chorus
Remember - the message
Man
Finally leaving the tension and stress behind
Earthalien Chorus
Forever - and ever
Man
Out of sight and mind
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Part 6
Through the crack they have made in the wall, Man and Woman now see a very different world
A marvellous place of happiness and excitement
They watch, wide-eyed,
as The Collector shows
them all the thrills and
delights of the real world.
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Part 7
Man
Feelings so deep have entered my life
Taken control - they have opened up my eyes
Helped me to see a way through the dark
Made me believe how great we really are
The moment you found me something was changed
Inside and outside - they will never be the same
A new kind of love I now understand
Seems for me the first time I know who I am
Forever and always we hold in our heart
The beat of a dream - no one can stop
Light of love come into me
And make my life so clear to see
Fill me up so all can see
The light of love that shines in me.
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Part 8
Man has entered the light and the light has entered Man
He is surrounded by the welcoming spirit of Earthalia
All things seem possible
How good it feels, to be part of this great world
Life on Earth will never be the same
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Part 9
Man
High are the stars in the sky
Overhead
One day we'll really be able to fly
Home again at last
The Collector
Many have called out to me
I have always answered that call
Man
There is no doubt in my mind
No regrets
One day the world will begin to return to the light
Home again at last
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Part 10
The Collector
Some are ready to receive
Others will take time
Even the most enlightened are trapped
I have come to release you
One by one
You have lost the sense of unity
And become slaves to your isolation
You have made yourselves seem weak
Each part is essential to the whole
Search your far memory
Recall that power
Sleeping within you all
I have kept the promise
And will continue to do so
When you have heard and understood
You will decide
I am "The Collector"
... "The Collector"
I will return
... return...
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Part 11
Earthalien Chorus
A new age is dawning
The glory unfolds
A new world is calling
The voice of ....
The greatest world of all
The music within us
Is echoing strong
The future is singing
The song of ...
The greatest world of all
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Marc Cerrone - Charly Olins:
Synthetizer
(Emulator III - Emulator II + CD ROM - Dynacord Addone + Sampler - Sequenceur Macintosh + Performer 2.2 et 2.3 -Roland D 50 + PG 1 000 -Roland MKS 80 - PPG Wave 2 -Roland Jupiter 8 -OBXa -Minimoog -Akai 5 900 - DX 7 -Alesis HR 16)
Instruments acoustiques
(Timbales - Cymbales - Tubular Bells -Piano Steinway -Celesta -Drums and Percussions)
Steve Croes:
Synclavier
JJ "Art of Noise":
Courtesy of Chrysalis Records
FAIRLIGHT Serie 3
Paul Jackson:
Guitar
Jérémy Cerrone:
Sound Effect
INTERPRÈTES
Created, composed and produced by Marc Cerrone
Lyrics: Lene Lovich
The Collector: Bill Mitchell
Woman: Mary Hopkins
Man: Steve Overland
Earthalien Chorus: Choeurs de l'Opera de Paris
Arranged by Charly Olins
Based on a story by Lene Lovich
Opera de Paris Coral Arranged by Michel GanotProduction and Publishing: N.A.C.
Collector - Earthalia - Trade Marks
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THE COLLECTOR (as released in 1985)
(spoken)-Be calm, you will come to no harm, I am The Collector
When your ancient world was dying
Some of us took refuge on this primitive earth
Others scanned the stars in search of the ideal
That journey was long and confused
But now I have returned to take you home!
Out of a world of chaos and turmoil we arrive
Hard as it seems we must try to keep alive
Hungry to breathe we struggle to reach the atmosphere
Hoping at least the future is on our side
Until the day we fly away there's no escape in the game of life
Few search the sky for a new way of life while we abide
Waiting for rescue, waiting to see the light
Eyes turn aside as each day becomes a memory
Best to forget the past, the future looks bright
chorus: Night falls on the planet when I take you to the flight
On the turning of the light years and the future's looking fine
There is no danger, only the mystery of the light you get to see
This is your moment, take it too hard, we are ready for the key ...hold on
Until the day we fly away there's no escape in the game of life
Excite your mind, time after time
chorus
(spoken)-As you see, your story of revolution amuses us...
Do not think that mankind has descended from the apes
For the apes are still apes and always will be so
The harsh conditions on earth have dulled your senses
When you are reunited you will remember your true self
Centuries flash in curious dances we design
Strange how we change or style as time goes by
Only the soul remains, the rest we win or lose
Better to start again, the future looks fine
Until the day we fly away there's no escape in the game of life
Excite your mind, time after time
chorus
-are you ready -excite your mind, time after time
(spoken) -you are no the first and you will not be the last
Those you call missing persons are among the collected, I accept you all
Many have called out to me, I have always answered that call
Do not be concerned, there is never need for force, the choice is yours
I am The Collector... The Collector... I will return...
THE COLLECTOR (as released in 1985)
(spoken)-Be calm, you will come to no harm, I am The Collector
When your ancient world was dying
Some of us took refuge on this primitive earth
Others scanned the stars in search of the ideal
That journey was long and confused
But now I have returned to take you home!
Out of a world of chaos and turmoil we arrive
Hard as it seems we must try to keep alive
Hungry to breathe we struggle to reach the atmosphere
Hoping at least the future is on our side
Until the day we fly away there's no escape in the game of life
Few search the sky for a new way of life while we abide
Waiting for rescue, waiting to see the light
Eyes turn aside as each day becomes a memory
Best to forget the past, the future looks bright
chorus: Night falls on the planet when I take you to the flight
On the turning of the light years and the future's looking fine
There is no danger, only the mystery of the light you get to see
This is your moment, take it too hard, we are ready for the key ...hold on
Until the day we fly away there's no escape in the game of life
Excite your mind, time after time
chorus
(spoken)-As you see, your story of revolution amuses us...
Do not think that mankind has descended from the apes
For the apes are still apes and always will be so
The harsh conditions on earth have dulled your senses
When you are reunited you will remember your true self
Centuries flash in curious dances we design
Strange how we change or style as time goes by
Only the soul remains, the rest we win or lose
Better to start again, the future looks fine
Until the day we fly away there's no escape in the game of life
Excite your mind, time after time
chorus
-are you ready -excite your mind, time after time
(spoken) -you are no the first and you will not be the last
Those you call missing persons are among the collected, I accept you all
Many have called out to me, I have always answered that call
Do not be concerned, there is never need for force, the choice is yours
I am The Collector... The Collector... I will return...
