The Prayer

This entry has been a long time coming, but I've been listening to this recording for ages now. It deserves it's rightful place as one of the best recordings I've ever heard of the original duet by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. However, there have been many others who have sung this song, like Josh Groban and Charlotte Church (the worst ever duet recording I've heard, probably due to Charlotte's irritating vocals!) and well, some others who I don't care to name.

Originally this song was written by David Foster for the movie Quest For Camelot, it's an animated movie in 1998. Celine Dion sang the original solo version in the OST (Original Sound Track) for the movie, with slightly different lyrics. Then it was re-written both lyrically and musically for Celine Dion's and Andrea Bocelli's duet at the Grammy Awards a few years back to great success. Although I did also enjoy the live version at a concert of Celine Dion singing it with her original duet partner Josh Groban, who was brought in to replace Andrea Bocelli during the Grammy rehearsals because he was ill.

After which, it became the bread and butter song of all duets to come. Everywhere you go, famous duets wanted to sing it, most were hideous and paled in comparison to Celine Dion's and Andrea Bocelli's amazing vocal performances, until this solo version by Anthony Callea of Australian Idol fame came along. This version amazed me to the fullest, the vocals were incredible and although a shorter version musically, it sang volumes to my heart and gives me goosebumps every single time I listen to it.

On top of that, it was a hit when the single was released in December 2004. This version debut at number 1 and was number 1 on the charts for 5 consecutive weeks. Within 7 weeks it was the highest selling Australian single of all time. It was certified 4 times platinum, selling in excess of 280,000 copies.

I've included the Youtube.com Australian Idol version of it below, complete with lyrics, enjoy!

I pray you'll be our eyes, and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe

La luce che tu dai nel cuore resterà
A ricordarci che eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera quanta fede c’è
Lead us to a place guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe

Sogniamo un mondo senza più violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace, di fraternità

La forza che ci dà
We ask that life be kind
And watch us from above
And hope each soul will find another soul to love
Let this be our prayer, just like every child

E la fede che
Hai acceso in noi,
Sento che ci salverà