Is Anybody There - 1776 (Restored Director's Cut - 1972)

[SonOfMontag]

I see, Mr. Adams. And I sing along with this musical every July 4th. My wife, when first we met, thought I was nuts -- and now she sings along too.

(Though we both decline to voice "Molasses...", and "Cool...Men" -- as these numbers are best sung by those whose ilk include drafters and signers of The Patriot (NOT) Act and the Obominable NDAA...)

This humble patriot encourages everyone to get to know this sage and saucy musical. May true Revolutionary Spirit never die in America.

[KauKatKay]

No dislikes! Yay!

[bowserhunter1]

@KauKatKay Spoke too soon. :(

[KauKatKay]

@bowserhunter1 well I think that some people have no lives and just go around being the firat to dislike videos on youtube. ;)

[ThePoaxBase]

Rare to see 0 dislikes on a awesome video.

[docksider]

I am the same... really does send shivers down my back.

[RosesNightengales]

Awesome song.

[MaxxTheMerciless]

I am there, Mr. Adams.

[6210cvb]

Although the songs from Glee may not be as glorious as the original scores, it does bring Broadway (at least a glimpse) to the masses and to kids who might not otherwise be exposed to this art form.

[tome4458]

i miss mr feeny

[cyberlarry7]

This is my favorite musical. And how I love William Daniels - the role of a lifetime!

[drstevepsych]

I watch this movie every year on July 4. It is one of my favorite movies of all time, John Adams is one of my favorite role models from American history, and this is one of my two favorite songs of the whole film. I got in the habit of playing it very loudly at the end of finals every semester of college and graduate school.

[mfsgeo]

I just had the opportunity to see the movie again. It is must watching for a July 4 weekend. I wish they would bring it back to Broadway! In these difficult times we should keep in mind those things we have in common as Americans and find a way to work through our differences.

[bridget117]

this is amazing. I'm a girl, but I kinda wanna try out with this song.

[snipetracker]

@bridget117 I'm guy and I tried out for a production of The Pirates of Penzance with a song from this musical ("But, Mr. Adams"), and the directors were pleased. In your case, you might have to go an octave higher for this number, but the director will be relieved that you know songs from 1776, unlike most Glee-addicted girls that know only songs from Wicked and Grease. Good luck.

[bridget117]

@snipetracker I was also considering "On the Street Where You Live" from My Fair Lady, and I think I'll do that this upcoming year, and maybe this next year. Actually, I feel bad for Gleeks because of how the songs are presented to them. I knew most of them all my life, and I've never seen Wicked XD.

[mKierstenk]

@bridget117 , @snipetracker

Hahaha I've seen maybe half a Glee episode. I know what you mean about the glee songs. I listen to the actual versions of songs and someone will start singing to it-- Me: Gasp! You know this song!? :D Friend: Of course, it was on Glee. Me:....oh..*roll eyes*. I have to admit though, some songs in Wicked are pretty amazing! 1776 was one of my favorite musicals growing up, and this song has the perfect power and feeling to show directors what you have!! Break a leg!

[bridget117]

@bridget117 I will. Thanks. :)

[TheHachmom]

What I really appreciate about this number is how the director pulls the camera back for William Daniels to perform full tilt as he did on stage...most musicals of the period had way too many closeups.....see Camelot for a good example...I appreciate the directors restraint to just let the actors go....

[goback3spaces]

And he seemed like such an ass in THE GRADUATE!

[VValkyrie]

I saw this on Broadway back in the late 60s-I was in 5th grade and it left a tremendous impact on my entire family. Many of the lyrics from this song are actual quotes from J Adams on how to celebrate the 4th of July holiday. Incredible that Adams AND Jefferson both died on the same day, 50 years later on July 4th.

[harwetopa]

@VValkyrie "...in the History of America.I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever."

Magnificent!

[pris613]

I think this is the best song in the movie and the question of "is anybody there? Does anybody care?" remains alive today. I care.

[RADIXCHRISTUSMOLE]

@pris613 I also care

[pris613]

@RADIXCHRISTUSMOLE Glad to hear it. Happy 4th of July!

[TheTexasphotoman]

Definitely my favorite song of the entire movie, but I do love the whole movie.

[shampoovta]

Adams takes a line from Washington Email on his need for congress to act. Adams Twitters his thoughts on the vote for independence. "I anybody there?"

Look around. It is still happening all around us, This America. *sob* :)

[wkyken]

William Daniels may not have had the greatest singing voice, but in terms of characterization, he IS John Adams! First of all, this is not the easiest song in the world to sing. Second, what really counts is the passion he displays in this song. At the lyrics say, the key word is "commitment." I can't imagine anyone doing this song any better.

[MonkeyLuck82]

@bluesun7777 I agree with fallonhadley. This song was written for a male voice... a female couldn't get the power nor the story that is behind the song... It was written for the male voice...

[EmiLovey10]

I love William Daniels. :) And this song...

[Bestmanme08]

@EmiLovey10 I think William Shatner could have been a way better John Adams! before Shat deliberately got campy on TJ Hooker! Hell, they could have just dubbed his voice (they he could've speakingly sang very nicely! BTW this movie is rotten history as Mrs.Martha Jefferson didn't visit her husband when he made the DOI! It should have been in the book "Did these stories really happen" what a lie that was!

[pregeness]

someone needs to put the full movie on youtube

[bluesun7777]

This song is much prettier and resonant when sung by a soprano woman. These guys are kind of bleating it out at times.

[fallonhadley]

@bluesun7777 This song really wouldn't have worked if sung by a woman though...John Adams was a man

[Amrev2020]

I think Washington represented the American people in this musical... I mean, symbolically, of course-- not in the sense that he would later become our favorite presidents. He asks the bickering, far-off Congress if anyone cares about his plight, beyond just debating about it.

[medmondson2466]

I have always loved this movie, and play it every fourth of July. A tradition for my small family. We make a whole day of it with picnic, fireworks and a movie. Eccentric? Sure. But hey, its the American way...

[agatematt]

What makes this song all the more powerful is that the lyrics are largely taken from a letter John Adams wrote to Abigail, shortly after the Declaration of Independence was passed and it was his vision for the new-born nation's bright future even though it was one of the darkest points of The Revolution!

[UniteForgetLeftRight]

please upload the whole movie 

[fallonhadley]

This song is incredible. I was obsessed with it in high school and it sparked a tremendous love of the American Revolution (my favorite time period in US history) and I still love it today.

[Dorkopotimus]

John Adams is K.I.T.T? F**kin knew it!

[Splinter48708]

@Dorkopotimus Yes...William Daniels (John Adams) was the voice of the Knight Industries 2000 a decade after making this movie. KITT even quipped in an episode that it was hot as heck in Philly and tried singing in another episode (Michael was glad when KITT decided singing wasn't for him)

[accridian]

I wish the founding fathers had burst into random song.

[SmartServant9693]

@accridian They probably did. I think most of the problems in American society come from the fact that we DON'T burst out into song today.

[Rockinmybassclarinet]

@SmartServant9693

I couldn't agree more.

[alliecamp]

@SmartServant9693 I really want to make a quote out of your response. I think that's absolutely spot on.

[medmondson2466]

@accridian maybe they did.

We don't talk that way any longer. We've devolved into a simplistic communication pattern. Maybe people used to sing everything. LOL

[Estella1507]

Mr. Feeny!!! When I first sow this I just recognized Mr. Feeny and my mom still jokes about it saying "Why dose John Adams look like Mr. Feeny?" If you don't get that reference then you never watched Boy Meets World...

"Mommy? Why does Santa Clause look like Mr. Feeny?"

[CDeanWatcher]

I like Mr. Thompson, too. Too bad the actor didn't do more TV and movies.

[mardienyc]

Required viewing on July 4! Thank you!

[hcabanski]

Today our leaders tell us we can't achieve, we need unemployment as our fastest way to create jobs. 

[Rurudyne]

One of my all time favorite movies.

[fadeHappy]

yeah this movie made john adams my favorite historical figure from the revolution.

[hairyman]

is anybody there?? yes

does anybody care?? no

Its a shame what people have done to america. ask a young person about history and they dont know....they dont care. all the blood that was shed so you can now be free. does the future look bright???

[FalseDisposition]

Aw I love the part after that...I don't remember who but one of the guys who was saying no comes in and says "Yes." comes in and crosses the room, and moves his state across to the Yay side.

[78kljk]

@FalseDisposition - Dr. Lyman Hall, the representative from Georgia. And it was very nicely acted, too, though I can't remember the actor's name at this moment.

[elmondae]

The feeling in this song stirs me in ways no other song can.  People like John Adams are the reason why I'm proud to be an American!

[snoopysam1987]

I hate musicals but I love this movie.

[TheHTAA]

I always found this song to be rather inspiering.*^^* It really kind of leaves you with a powerful feeling. A good feeling.

[Flowbee79]

There is something a little prophet-like in the story, like Adams can see in the decades and centuries to come what America/The United States will become or mean to the rest of the world. Let's face it, the American epic is one of the most visceral ones know to history. It's like he knows that there are going to up hill-struggles, wars, conflicts, possibly a civil war, civil right movements, but also great inventions and achievements from the American epic long after he is gone.

[ESchmalz911]

I wrote my common App essay about John Adams and his impact on my life.

[ESchmalz911]

Is there anybody their?

Does anybody care?

Does anybody see, what I see?

[78kljk]

I still love you, Abigail.

-John

[CassandraMotou]

Quite the debate went on since I was here last, I must say. Both "sides" bring up fair points, but there are some pretty... hinky ones out there, too. But since detailing what I think would involve a long rant, and I"m on my roommate's pc at almost 1 am, I'd rather not just now. Anyway, this song is just as awesome as ever! =^_^= I hope I get to meet the real guy someday, in whatever "afterlife" there is. John Adams is my favorite Founding Father, followed closely by Benjamin Franklin.

[EagleOnTheRhine]

when you say "sides" do you mean the republicans and democrats (liberals and conservatives) ? George Washington said that the party system would destroy America. I think he was right...and we're seeing that today...

[CassandraMotou]

*shrugs* I suppose so, in general terms. Of course people are going to have a wide variety opinions, but this divide is getting to be quite mad. Nobody is going to be entirely right or wrong all the time, after all. Labels like these just add fuel to an already nasty fire.

[Flowbee79]

Listened to the audiobook version of John Adams by David McCollough. Edward Hermann (Lost Boys, Gilmore Girls) narrates, as he does with a lot of audiobooks. He is sort of a chief voice actor these days. Anyway, the brilliant mind Adams housed, cultivated, and used in that small body of his is truly admirable. One lesson I learned from listening to the story of his life, and somewhat ironically, is this: Read. Read almost anything you can get your hands onto and with an open mind.

[CassandraMotou]

Haven't managed to get my hands on the audio version of it, but I did find the book itself at the library, and it was fascinating. Even though it was massive (as it should be, considering its subject matter), I finished it within days of checking it out. As for reading, yes indeed. I've been addicted to the written word since I was a toddler, and can well attest to its many benefits. :D Glad to find a like-minded individual- they seem so rare these days, unfortunately.

[FalseDisposition]

I'm sorry but this song does things to me!! God I LOVE this song

[shesoutofsync]

I totally know how you feel.

[riadraco]

...kids our age have always acted stupid, even in the times of these great men, sure the means have changed, but not the reason. it is a way of rebelling against what we are used to. also you have to remember that those kids are going to grow up and with age comes reason. most will stop their drugs and etc because they will have to, whether its cause they know better or because they cant afford it, they will change. look at the youth of the 60's, some still do drugs, but many more have changed

[ronnoc924]

Wing it? Man, we have Made it. Don't lose faith in society, put it in the counter culture, for what was the counter culture of the 1960's is now the culture of today. Sex, Drugs feelings, LSD, rap, world peace, fairness, all of it has been programmed into our minds through the media, schools and television shows. One day, I will march on DC, and shout "IS ANYBODY THERE? DOES ANYBODY CARE? DOES ANYBODY SEE WHAT I SEE?" and god help us if they don't understand that freedom is intangible

[Brambletail2]

same here. although i think our forfathers would be more disappointed in us then surprised.

[dlwke2]

This is a really great and underrated score. Why not more awards? Shocking.

[vbplayer49]

Ummm....musical people.....musical. It's not how it REALLY was........take a deep breath.

[fallonhadley]

While it's true that they didn't go around dancing and singing all the time, almost everything in this play is based on historical facts :)

[voyager454]

Well it all is, but the singing and dancing i think is perfectly co-ordinated.

[Brambletail2]

It would be cool if they had though

[mizzou4]

I was blessed with being cast in our community theater production of 1776 last year. I will never forget it.

[Lordofexcess]

I agree with what has been said in terms of the general sentiment that the founders would largely be proud and probably shocked that our nation still exists. Especially if they had an opportunity to review our history since the revolution. I'm not going to say that some of them wouldn't likely feel how Hiraghm does, but many of them would feel as skippy89 does. They were a diverse group, with very diverse opinion which is evident from their writings. Just look at the federalist papers.

[FalseDisposition]

this is the best song from the musical in my opinion.

[skippyd89]

Wisprsinthedrk: I think Mr. Adams (BOTH John and Sam) and the others would be very gratified to see the country the created as it is today.  It is STILL the great experiment; the country that STILL exists in compromise. It has always been a nation divided, but a nation that exists despite its divisiveness. And, by some miracle, it works. We have problems, but we manage to live together as one people made of many. Goverments come and go but the vision remains. :Does anybody see what I see?"

[Wisprsinthedrk]

I'm still a patriot and I love this county. I don't disagree with the political system itself. I'm sorry if you took me the wrong way the thing I dislike most about america is how americans hate being americans. My issues are more of with people than the nation.

[Hiraghm]

I disagree. They'd be amazed by our country, until the passed by a television set or movie theater.

In fact, they would be rebelling again, against the increasingly socialist bent of the people, not just the government. They believed in the competence of citizen, to have authority over and responsibility for his own life. And the people who agree with that today represent a minority. Now we want daddy gov't to provide everything.

They'd see one Obama speech and rebel.

[skippyd89]

NOT the Adamses. The rest were men of property and of their time--the 18th century. If you do believe what you say, then I am sorry you have not progressed to the 21st century in your thinking.

[Hiraghm]

So they were men of property? So were almost all of the Founding Fathers, many of whom were ruined by the rebellion.

No, I have not progressed into the 21st century in my thinking. Nor have I digressed into the 30th century BC. Just because it's the 21st century doesn't mean that I have to discard my ability to think rationally, simply because so many others choose to do so.

I stand by my assertion.

[ouihotpot]

surely you do not believe that the helpless should be left to fend for themselves in a world that is so selfish in the pursuit of wealth? Surely you cannot allow people to live in hovels or to live with free medical care at the point of delivery? I assume you are an american and if so surely you, as one of the wealthiest and most progessive countries in the world cannot allow its citizens to live in less than satisfactory conditions.

[Hiraghm]

America is certainly wealthy, I find the term 'progressive' insulting.

I don't believe people should be enslaved; nothing happens unless someone does it. If the helpless need help, no one has the right to enslave another to help them.

Would I help someone who is helpless, with whatever resources I possess? Yes. Would I force another to do so? Never.

There is no such thing as free medical care. Someone has to do the work. Someone has to pay for it.

[ouihotpot]

We in Great Britain believe in taking care of those less fortunate than ourselves. It is our Christian duty to do so. Surely it is also a human beings duty to do so.

[fallonhadley]

I certainly respect your viewpoint, but in the United States we believe that people should work for what they get, and that we should help them only so far. Under no circumstances should these people be 'taken care of,' or they'll never become independent.

[ChazzP1992]

It is our Christian duty to help the poor and witness to our faith in Christ. Our duty, but not the governments. I will admit us Americans as a whole are far too self centered sometimes to care for our neighbor. but our government, through its social programs, robs us of the ability and opportunity to help our neighbor through charity by taxing us unreasonably.

But clinging to Christ as my salvation, we will weather any storm the world throws at us.

In Christ,

Chazz

[rebelbat07]

Hear hear!

[wolgreth]

wonder what would happen if instead we didnt go to war with England and hammered out a peace agreement. think of all the lives it would have saved

[aigiqinf]

Somebody needs a major review of US History. We tried a peace agreement, like 4 trillion times.

[hairyman]

they would all die over again if they could see what this country has become. does anybody care??? no.

[colliertng]

I CARE!

[Wisprsinthedrk]

I don't think John adams would be thrilled to see what the country he helped create is now like.

[RoseytheSpaz]

It's not the country, it's the assholes who run it.

[Hiraghm]

"the assholes who run it"....

That's supposed to be "We, the People".

But we've abrogated responsibility and authority.

Those assholes are supposed to run it under our direction, but they've become an oligarchy who holds power because they promise bread and circuses to a dumbed-down, hedonistic populace.

It's come to a point where they consider it outrageous when the boss raises our collective voice at them.

But, to Obama I say, goodnight, forever goodnight!

[thenextharryhaddiux]

william daniels is awesome

[Flickerfly]

He's phenomenal. He is who I see in my head when I hear the name John Adams.

[ToFightOrFlee]

I LOVE this movie, my familly and I watch it every year without fail. Adams is my favorite character, "Commitmant!" you gotta love him. ^ ^

[rldavis1959]

I should watch this film tonight but Nascar is on. ;)

[warblerab]

Yes Mr. Adams, I do.

[pumplamp]

Great acting by William Daniels.  He really shows the patriotism Adams would've had towards his country.

[PrussianSunsets]

John Adams had quite the voice.

[ladyday93]

@PrussianSunsets Especially since he isn't always known for it.

[th3realphil]

My favorite part of this scene was cut off! Boo!!!

[izzet2006]

whether or not the founding father would fit up with our current pollitical parties is kind of irrelevant, they were faced with different issues so they will not match up with modern politics.

[canadarox14]

No kidding. So many people try to analyze this stuff from today's perspective, but we'll never know what they would think because it doesn't really matter.

[Wisprsinthedrk]

Also I think it also depends on what they thought of our government now. Problems that arose back then are different from what they are now frankly I don't think the founding fathers would be too pleased about how wimpy and spoiled americans have become.

[Wisprsinthedrk]

Personality wise Jefferson was very leftist I'd say but yes back in that day people were afraid of another higharchy.

[Guzzen1]

Just as a note, the lyrics say "I have crossed the Rubicund", but it should be "I have crossed the Rubicon", a reference to Caesar's gambit of crossing the Rubicon river, thus starting the civil war with Pompey.

[FallingRain123]

Oh! Thank you very much; I knew the reference, but was just going by ear. I changed it immediately.

[78kljk]

@Guzzen1 Caesar didn't only cross the Rubicon, he deliberately burnt his bridges behind him, in full view of his legions. The message was clear - they weren't going back. Neither was John Adams.

[mttmtmtm]

hypothetically, just for the sake of arguement, if this were held today, what do you think eac founding fathers poltical party would be? I know most of them hated the party system, but just for the sake of arguement. I think Adams would be a New England Republican, and Jefferson / Franklin would both be dems. Would do you think?

[Talleyrand8230]

Not bad. Pretty close, if not right on.

[Wisprsinthedrk]

Execllent observation I agree with them all execpt I think Franklin would be dem/moderate but very good.

[elliotsavestheday]

Aw, see, I disagree, Jefferson would most certainly /not/ be democratic. You see, Jefferson was for small, state governments, where as modern democrats are for big governments. In fact, almost all of the founding fathers, by today's society, would be Republican, for they all were afraid of a strong, central government.

[melarry]

Modern Republicans not only love centralized power, they have handed over the entire country to the intelligence community. Jefferson would be a Libertarian. John Adams (who wisely saw that a liberal, central power was the only way to preserve public liberty and yet keep banks from prostituting the country) would be something beyond all labels -- a thinking person without a real party, just as he was then.

[melarry]

No, YOU need to realize that "liberal" and "conservative" are properly adjectives and not nouns. ALL thinking people should use both types of thinking - if they don't, they're extremist ideologues which is what our founding fathers were trying to escape. It's what George Bush, grandson of a Nazi, is. Bush-league extremists control the Republican Party -- they CREATED modern "big government" and intrusive society measures. Jefferson would have been fighting them alongside Adams.

[akirosette]

probably Adams, I wouldn't hold out for Jefferson the way he treated the indians.

[agentmabus333]

Correction...replace Republican with "Conservative" and Democrat with "liberal"...sorry.

[izzet2006]

actually Conservative meant the establishment and preserving traditions. During the time of Adams Conservatism meant to preserve the autocratic monarchy. While liberal meant free market democracy and free rights during adams time. Again the debate over whether or not the labels apply to modern politics is irrelevant.

[melarry]

Have you ever read any of his writings? John Adams would certainly NOT be a New England Republican. He was a revolutionary -- a moderate who thought conservatives were cowards. He didn't move until he was pushed but when he gave his life to the revolution, he gave everything he had. The church under which he is buried is one of the centers of progressive New England politics and social action.

[mttmtmtm]

I think you skipped the Adams Presidency, which in analyzing it further, I think you would come to the same conclusion that today he would probably be a New England Republican. People confuse the term conservative and Republican - they are not neccsarily the same thing. Plus I only asked for your opinion, you may give it if you wish, but don't belittle mine

[melarry]

I didn't belittle your opinion, merely disagreed strongly. I think you're blaming Aliens and Sedition on Adams when all he did was sign off on it. One mistake doesn't cancel out a lifetime of visionary thinking.

An old school Barry Goldwater Republican? There *might* be an argument for that. A modern Republican (of whatever type), not a chance.

[agentmabus333]

You're forgetting that there are MASSIVE amounts of time for the meaning of Republican and Democrat to change between what we think of as "liberal" and "conservative" today. "Republican" back then would mean "liberal", and in today's standards would mean "conservative". Vice versa for Democrat. Adams could be considered the founder of the modern Democratic party. Jefferson could be considered the founder of the modern Republican party.

[CassandraMotou]

wow... thats passion, that is. cant wait to see this movie

[kdog385]

Williams Daniels is much better as an actor but e pulled this off good

[Phalen2242]

Bring us the Reprise! Give us the end!

[dk5388]

its a shame the song is so short yet it is so powerful

[teenie809]

Thank you soo much for posting this! It's my favorite song in the whole movie. But this video cuts off my favorite part!! At the very end, when Dr. Hall comes in and says "I do, Mr. Adams"!!!! I LOVE THAT PART!! The song isn't complete without it!

[AngmarKnight]

dude, I thought the same thing. When the video stopped right b4 that part I was like NO!!! ... lol

[Dizzun]

Best song of the movie.

[Moosetroy]

aaah, my favorite song in the whole movie

[kdog385]

william daniels is the best actor for this song!

[myhistoricalsociety]

totally love this movie

[eysblog1fan]

Yes Mr.Adams I do!!! :D