THE HEART OF THE ROSE: A ROCK OPERA

Words & music by Graham Russell

The Heart of The Rose Website
www.theheartoftherose.com


Audio tracks used with permission from Graham Russell

ACT I

ANCIENT ANTLERS
Lancaster & Chorus

I am the sheriff of this town
you people know me well
I welcome one and all to celebrate this day
the dawning of the sun, the first of May
And as it was in ancient times
the games, they shall begin
to find the champion of wrestling, staff & sword
and finally, the archer he shall win
And with these antlers he'll be crowned
the King for all to see
Then Herne will take him as his one and only son
to bring to all the land prosperity
             chorus
Ancient antler, please protect us
bring the strength, that only one may understand
ancient antlers, worn in splendour
sacred symbol, for a strong, united fertile land
And as the king he wins the right
to choose himself a Queen
and they will dance away the hours of the night
and everyone shall feast at their delight
For it is known she has the power
to heal a shattered soul
to see the future long before it ever comes
to warn us of a danger to unfold
And as the King, he must protect
his subjects for all time
he shall become just as the forest God himself
this ritual of old, can never be denied
             chorus



TOMORROW
Robin & Marian

Where have I seen this face before
yes, I have seen this face before
only the legends in our mind
could ever dream to ever find
you are tomorrow, here today
I am the night and you the day
you are the Queen to make the King
this is the moment we begin
You are tomorrow here today
I don't know how I know
I am the night and you the day
Why do I love you so
You are tomorrow here today
I don't know how I know
I am the night and you the day
Why do I love you so



YOU & I
Robin & Marian

What does a May King do, now he's alone with you
I'm suppose to know everything, but sometimes I don't
What does a May Queen do, now I'm alone with you
I can't think of anything...hardly at all
I've never been this close to anyone
I don't know where this feeling has come from
but when you sang the words, they came to stay
don't ever take this happiness away
You and I, the earth, the sky
have opened the doorway to my soul
You and I, the breath, the sigh
the spirit in us both will now unfold
You and I must never be divided
for only then shall truth alone be told
with you and I the future is decided
it all belongs to you and I



LOST IN THE SHUFFLE
Elizabeth

I was feeling so proud, I was way up in the clouds
I believed I could reach out and have it all
The new Queen of the May, how I've waited for this day
there is no-one who would have walked so tall
Now I'm lost in the shuffle of the cards
Lost in the shuffle of the cards
I gave myself away, to a man that would not stay
all this time I spent chasing him around
I could have had my choice from so many eager boys
they all knew that I'd have to turn them down
Now I'm lost in the shuffle of the cards
Lost in the shuffle of the cards
All those nights of stitching clothes and
making up my gown
thinking that I had him hooked
when all the time she was waiting
like a virgin in her prime, ready to be so swept away
by his esoteric rhymes
Do they think I'm going to stand here
and wish them both farewell
like a common market peddler
who has nothing left to sell
No, I will remember this day
the wheels keep on turning, it will turn back my way
this thing that they have, it cannot last
I'll soon turn them into a part of the past
and I'll be there waiting to turn him away
I will remember, yes, I will remember this day!



WATCHING THE MOON
Lancaster

Watching the moon shine over Nottingham
watching the famine cutting them down
this is the place that is so dear to me
watching the moon in my hometown
Black is the night when there's death in the air
why is the King being so blind
He watches them starve without doing anything
this is the sign to bring him down



CAN YOU IMAGINE
Lancaster & De Facombery

Can you imagine something bigger
than the two of us with us now
Can you imagine this land filled
with happy faces as they guide their plough
it's true, it can happen to me and to you
and the people will have food again
we must take control and forge ahead
instead of bending our knees and our heads
while the King bleeds them bone dry
Can you imagine me in office as the sheriff
wouldn't I look grand
can you imagine me in London at the palace
at the King's right hand
it's true, that's the prize if I get rid of you
it's a chance for me to really shine
it's a chance to make this title mine
instead of being the last in line
I'll look like a hero
Can you image me just giving up everything
don't be mad
Can you image people fighting over principles
that's too bad
It's true, it will happen to me and to you
and some people are going to cry
and some people are going to die
I've a feeling it could be you
and re willing to risk it



THE PERFECT DREAM
Tuck

Oh, the perfect dream
to wash their troubles away
in my church by the stream
That day is near and is their desire
give them the strength that they need
when the spirit is fire
And oh, a man can dream
the spirit of gladness in May
being able to breath
Saying your mind without seeing the end
and may the price not be high
may I see them again, see them again
I know you seek their names
for a legend created
but show us where our love then must go
Look at them now, such love for my eyes
tomorrow they fight for it all
how many will die
And oh, the perfect dream
to see them come home again
to my church by the stream
a man can dream
And oh, the perfect dream
to wash their troubles away
in my Yorkshire stream
saying your mind without seeing the end
and may the price not be high
may I see them again, see them again



AWAKE I DREAM
Marian & the Spirit

Pray for us all, bring me back to your side
said the King unto the Queen
Now that he's gone, I can see so much more
like a dream within a dream
Awaken my heart, your servant awaits
I feel you inside, what love you create
Awaken my soul, where mystery lies
I see it unfold
One kiss, he's gone, there were no choices
Now I'm left alone with mystic voices
filling the soul of the night
I see him now, they cross the river
betrayed this night, their fate delivered
If love can let me see to where he lies
I know, I know, I know
that love won't close his eyes
Keep him alive, keep him warm
send my love, bring him home
It's not too late to run to save him
all else must wait, for only I can save him
Keep him alive, keep him warm
send my love, bring him home
Hurry for he bleeds for you
take him where your heart leads you
soon is the moment
when you shall become both as one
Keep him alive, keep him warm
send my love, bring him home



A GOOD DAY'S MARCH
Lancaster

A good days march, we need to rest
this army is united
There's so far to go
so many plans to make
and the future to be decided
Let's spare a thought
for all our loved ones back home
keep them all in your dreams
and when we take away
the King from his throne
all this marching won't be
half as bad as it seems



WHISPERS IN MY HEAD
Lancaster

This battle's lost, but you must fight again
though my fate draws to conclusion
You are the people's King, you are the son of Herne
they will look to you, to bring them from confusion
You are the one to save the heart of our land
draw that spirit near
You must believe you have that power at hand
Listen closely, for soon you will understand
Whispers in my head, someone calling softly
faces that appear before my eyes
The forest calls you now, there lie all the answers
no-one is the older or more wise
Always stand your ground
the trees will never let you down



CAN YOU IMAGINE (reprise)
De Facombery & Lancaster

Can you imagine something bigger
than the two of us with us now
can you imagine this placed filled with happy faces
as they guide their plough
it's true, I'll be teaching them something that's new
it's a chance for me to really shine
now that your title and your lands are mine
I'll be making the rules this time
as the King's new hero
Can you imaging the people
giving into you, don't be mad
they won't be governed by a traitor and a killer
and a King this bad
you'll see, there'll be someone
that comes after me
and his name will chill your blood with fear
he will rise up from these very trees
and soon bring you down to your knees
while the whole world is laughing



I CAN'T STAY AWAKE
Robin

I can't stay awake, but I've got to try
at least you're safe, it's not for me I cry
Can you hear me, can you hear me
you know that something starts when something ends
it's the hardest thing, just to say good-bye
I'm glad that you were here, to dry their eyes
Can you hear me, can you hear me
I hope there's something good in what I've done



THE HEART OF THE ROSE
Marian & Robin

A long time ago, from the valley of the sun
came the holy power, when the Gods were one
searcing for a new home, searching for this land
Guided by the stars and a vision they had seen
the pillars of the temple, in these hills of green
buried deep inside, for only us to find
It is the roar of the wind, the power of the sun
the strength of a thousand bows
And those who near it again, will fear it again
and it's here in the heart of the rose
Painted in the sky, was the moment to awake
all that lay within you, as this dawn should break
with this force awoken, none can stand before
This is the hour, now is the time
driven by the purest love, I give you mine
all that we must be, is everything we see
It is the roar of the wind, the power of the sun
the strength of a thousand bows
And those who near it again, will fear it again
and it's here in the heart of the rose
Our love has brought us both together
and it's our love that will go on forever
there is no love that can become
as one before its time
It is the roar of the wind, the power of the sun
the strength of a thousand bows
And those who near it again, will fear it again
and it's here in the heart of the rose
It is the trees in the earth
it is the rivers that run
and through us this secret flows
And now our destiny calls, you'll remember it all
our love for the heart of the rose



ACT II

SLEEPING ON THE FOREST FLOOR
John & Chorus

I was sleeping on the forest floor
like I have for a hundred years or more
till your voice became our cue
I can't tell you where we all come from
but when you need us no more, we'll be gone
Will you guide our every move
fill us in on things you plan to do
where you go, we follow too
It's no longer a one man band
now it's all of us fighting with one strong hand
one strong hand
We all want to follow you
we just want to follow you
We're so proud to be with you, to be with you
We all want to follow you
we just want to follow you
We're so proud to be with you, to be with you
Here, here we stay, here we live, all for freedom
Here, here we stay, here we live, all for freedom
Here, here we stay, here we live, all for freedom
Here, here we stay, here we live, all for freedom



FROM RICHER, FOR POORER
Robin, John, Tuck, Scarlet & the Abbot

Welcome to the forest, won't you be our guest
What does an Abbot have beneath his vest
All that money taken from the poor
He thinks his church is above the law
             chorus one
From richer, for poorer, united as one
From richer, for poorer
Robin, Scarlet, Tuck and John
We'll wipe that smile right off his face
Excuse me while I rob your grace
What do you carry in this purse
We'll relieve you from temptations curse
From richer, for poorer
united as one
From richer, for poorer
we've only just begun
You will pay for this, I'm a man of God
Do you know just who I am
De Facombery will see you hang
he's the Lord of Nottingham
             chorus two
From richer, for poorer
united as one
From richer, for poorer
that traitors day will come
Once in the forest, your in our domain
No-one living will see you again
You'll feel the sting from my bright sword
Now you must learn to beg my Lord
             chorus one
Mercy, mercy, won't you let me live
Your wretched soul, I can't forgive
Let's put this fat man to the knife
I beg you now, to spare my life
            chorus one
Off with your clothes, and your men the same
You can all return to the town in shame
Tell the sheriff of Sherwood
Here it's the law of Robin Hood
             chorus two



PERFECT DREAM (reprise)
Tuck, Robin & Marian

Oh, the perfect dream, to join two people in love
in this church by the stream
And oh, the perfect dream
the spirit of gladness in may
being able to breath, a man can dream
I know you seek their names for a legend created
but show them how their love now can grow
And oh, the perfect dream
We fall in love too easy
to wash their troubles away
the spirit of gladness in may
we'll make up all the in betweens
being able to breath
And, oh, the perfect dream
We fall in love too easy
to join two people as one
we'll make up all the in betweens
in this church by the stream
And oh, a man can dream
the spirit of gladness in may
being able to breath
And oh, the perfect dream
to join two people in love
in this church by the stream
a man can dream



LOST IN THE SHUFFLE (reprise)
Elizabeth

From this day on, I'll live alone
and take my holy vows
no-one will miss me anyway
No, I couldn't stand the rejection
the faces and the stares
the scars of devastation
when the left me standing there
Do they think I'm going to stand here
and wish them both farewell
to be the one who lost it all
in the stories that they'll tell
No, I will remember this day
the wheels keep on turning
they will turn back my way
this marriage that they have, it will not last
I'll soon turn them into a part of the past
and I'll be there waiting to turn them away
I will remember, Yes, I will remember this day!



SO CLOSE
De Facombery & the Abbot

So close, so close, as close I could ever be
So close, so close, the King's new man should be me
I pleased him well, I'm the hero of the nation
the sheriff of this town, a wise adjudication
It's just the start, I plan to climb much higher
I can't be stopped, no-one has my desire
And I'm still so young, my whole life lies before me
I see it now, De Facombery in history
But you're forgetting the man Robin Hood
he had us ambushed on the road through Sherwood
you can't just sit there, do something for the church
of course I must report this to the bishop or worse
He took every penny, including my robes
and made me walk barefoot on your broken roads
Someone must pay
you must catch this man
I'll petition the King
he'll send someone who can
So, he's still alive and causing some commotion
I'll deal with him when I take my promotion
Tomorrow is my day
the King he comes to knight me
and then I'll deal with Hood
and others that oppose me



GOLDEN ARROW
De Facombery & Chorus

             chorus
Who will shoot for the prize of a golden arrow
step this way, for the prize of a golden arrow
Who will shoot for the prize of a golden arrow
step this way, for the prize of a golden arrow
Who will shoot for the prize of a golden arrow
step this way, for the prize of a golden arrow
I bid you welcome to the hot shot city
the King has chosen me to serve you people true
so won't you tell me what you'd like to do
There's everything here in the hot shot city
the arrows fly and you can buy and sell what you will
so tell me what is your kind of thrill
You have the money to pay, you have the money
let's see the money
No strangers in my hot shot city
no danger, stow your arms away
everybody needs a holiday
Shoot for the arrow in my hot shot city
what could be better than to drink a few cares away
everyone has a holiday, it's my victory today
             chorus
Who is he, who can split the winning arrow
Who is he, who can split the winning arrow
Who is he, only one can split the arrow
Who is he, only one can split the arrow
Step this way for the prize of the golden arrow
Step this way for the prize of the golden arrow



SO CLOSE (reprise)
De Facombery & Elizabeth

So close, so close, as close as I could ever be
So close, so close, the King's new man should be me
I need some help, this blade must find a weakness
I must destroy him now, if I'm to be blessed
Before the King, in front of all the people
he made me look a fool, incompetant and feeble
It's him or me, for one of us must perish
a peasant's son can't stand against a sheriff
What brings you here, I've no time for the church
I've another pain that's hurting much worse
I do my duty, no more and no less
but first you must make me the Kirkless Abbess
Your outlaw sends money, to give to the poor
his pretty Marian brings it right to my door
If you were waiting, you could make an arrest
and hold her till Robin comes out from his nest
A holy nun, should bring me my solution
but will her God grant her absolution
The reasons and the risk will always be my secret
no-one shall ever know, until all is completed



GLITZY QUEEN
De Facombery & Marian

Oh what a pretty guest we have today
a perfect time to have you stay
but you're not dressed to join the feast
choose your gown, I'm here to please
I'm sure your devoted husband
will soon wonder where you may be
will he spring from the forest
like an Avalon mist
and begin looking for victory
when he does, I'll be waiting to greet him
thank your sister, she took care of that
as her love turned to hate
so she turned to the state
and I traded some power for facts
             chorus
So won't you be my glitzy Queen
and then I'll take you home
so won't you be my glitzy Queen
we can be all alone
Oh what a prize you look today
the pick of all the girls in May
life in the woods must serve you well
the fruit is ripe, now I can tell
So how do you feel about royalty
caressing you just for awhile
I may have rough edges and be a bit loud
but I'm sure I can get you to smile
you can tell all your friends of the details
I'm sure it will give them a thrill
no-one is allowed to disturb us
and we have a few hours to kill
Oh, I don't worry for me
it's your black tortured heart
that's the prisoner you see
I have love, love that has no end
and if that isn't strong, what is left to defend
You feel your so righteous and brave
all this talk about sin won't save you here
and it won't save your man from the grave
             chorus
Just remember I tried to be nice to you
and don't be afraid to scream
no-one will hear you and nobody cares
it will just make it all more serene



WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH
Marian & Robin

I've been a wife to you, there never was another
we've always made it through
because we had each other
I knew you were the one, the first time that I saw you
I thought I was so young, to even think of marriage
if we had never kissed...so much we would have missed
we are the closest now - I love you so
It's like a new beginning - you're everything
I think the time is now, don't ever let me go
I'll never let you go, I'll never let you go
Why does it hurt so much, should I be told
your lips are warm to touch, and mine so cold
The eagle found his mark, I ran away
the forest grows so dark, I'm not afraid
Now I can see so much, it's all so clear
the antlers must be found, please bring them here
I give this task to you, it must be done
before we can be joined, when love is one
I'll always wait for you, no matter how long
our love will guide you through, our love is strong
Why does it hurt so much to hold you close
why does my heart break up, I'd like to know
Why do I feel so weak, is this good-bye
your tears fall down your cheek, I feel you cry
Why does it hurt so much, should I be told
your lips are warm to touch and mine so cold
Why does it hurt so much, should I be told
your lips are warm to touch, and mine so cold



STRENGTH OF OAK
Robin

I've been blind for far too long
who's this man that dares to test my God
and dares to test my fear
Before my bow shall break
before my sword shall rest
just one, one more life I'll take
Oh, Herne, the mighty strength of Oak
help me break this evil yoke
and never shall I ask of you again
Free us all from misery
guide this rose to set us free
and Marian shall not have died in vain



FINAL POWER
Robin & De Facombery

It's the King of the woods
how I've longed for this moment
it's the leader of men, the new spirit awoken
you've come quite a way
your influence is surprising
but now this is the day, I will end your uprising
I see no mystery here, but a lonely shattered man
that cannot tell passion from fear
but I'll teach you all that I can
I'm not here to be judged, nor for personal vengeance
you have broken my law, I am here to pass sentence
All your conjuring words are not going to save you
you will die by my sword then the devil can take you
So remember your life once again
as it fades from the view of the rose
your ambition has come to an end
you were never so far as so close
             chorus
This is the final power, this is the sign to fear
now is the time, when the tyrant must fall
This is the final power, this is the final hour
long live the rose in the heart of us all
All your talk is confused
and your words have no meaning
put your skill to the test
let me show what I'm feeling
All your world is a lie, you could never take over
You're no match for such as I, let's just get it over
Skill cannot be master here
it's something you can't understand
it's something in which I believe
but I'll teach you call that I can
             chorus



GUEST OF HONOR
Robin, John, Tuck & Scarlet

             chorus
One has to win and there's one that must lose
it's the balance that must be kept
I gave what I could, it's the choice that I made
yes, I did what my conscience said
we all pay the price, there's nowhere to hide
ad there's no-one to take her place
we all create the joy and the hate
so there's nobody else to blame
Now I can speak, but there's little left to say
but these voices will want to sing
This is the day, but it's nothing on your own
no, it's not like a day in May
That was the birds and sweet smelling flowers
and things that I can't describe
Chasing the wind, my love and my friend
to somewhere I keep inside
The eagle has flown, now the rose is returned
and it feels like the cause is won
Now we all can go home and pick up where we left
yes, we've proved that it can be done
But who else will know all the sorrow we felt
it's never the part that's told
Children must learn how our freedom was earned
how life and then death are sold
As we throw down our arms and lift up our pride
the cry surely shall be heard
The King must replace this dismal disgrace
with a man that can keep his word
The battle is won and there's more left to do
but at least now the seed is sown
They all see the light, the prize of this fight
and some see the pathway home
             chorus



TWENTY TWO YEARS OF NOTHING
The Fool & Choir

Welcome to the forest
won't you be my guest
let's burn an Abbot on a great big fire
all that money taken from the poor
they've all disappeared
cos' they've all gone mad
From richer for poorer
this fool is the one
From richer for poorer
where's Robin and John
If you don't solve the riddle
your in my domain
off with your clothes or I'll tell the Pope
it's one more clue from my bright vest
you can all return to the town in tights
From richer for poorer
this fool is the one
From richer for poorer
where's Robin and John
             chorus
Twenty two years, twenty two years
twenty two years of nothing
Twenty two years, twenty two years
twenty two years of nothing
Was he searching so long for a miracle
when only the mirror could see
did his life lose its meaning
like the point of a sword
was he lonely, was he free
             chorus
I am the nothing
yes I'm just the fool
and no-one ever listens to me
am I madness and laughter
disguised as the truth
but truth is a hard place to see
but truth is a hard place to see
But I can show love
just like anyone can
and I am the one with key
Yes, I am the gateway
and I'm in no rush
for you all must enter through me
for you all must enter through me
             chorus
Heroes want to come home
can't face the morning
just two ghosts in the night
years like snow keep on falling
Nothing now left to lose
only the past to remember
What is the fool left to do
now that this journey's ended
For you all must enter through me
for you all must enter through me
             chorus



HE NEEDS YOU NOW
John & the Mother Superior

May we come in, we've travelled far
this man is weak
from many years and many scars
he needs to rest, inside these walls
I ask for shelter for the night and that is all
He needs you now, don't be afraid
we are both peaceful
gone are all our fighting days
We have a friend, we're told is here
she will remember who we are, you need not fear
She was always the one that we trusted
Elizabeth was always a friend
tell her Robin and John are now on their way home
and are waiting to see her again
The one you seek, she is in prayer
we don't have much, all food is scarce
you must wait here
These times are hard, the crops are poor
but there is hope for those
who knock upon God's door
She was always the one that we trusted
Elizabeth was always a friend
tell her Robin and John are now on their way home
and are waiting to see her again
He needs you now



IN THE HOUSE OF GOD
Elizabeth & John

Have no fear, you're welcome here
you are in the house of God
What a joy it is to see your face
you are all that I've thought of
At last my prayers are answered
now all my fears are gone
You will find the things you're seeking
are here in the house of God
Sister, you can save him
from a wound that will not mend
For we must find the antlers
and with them cure this land
You know he trusts you, can you ease his pain
his heart is still broken, make him strong again
He'll tell you of the many voices
that call him to the heart of the rose
but without those sacred antlers
it's secret no-one knows
John, you were so right to bring him to me
I have potions that will fill him with life
he'll fight again you see



YOU NEED ME NOW
Elizabeth

You need me now, the day has come
you need my help
when time and patience have all gone
The final card, you played so well
the game is mine
I'll tell you know just how you fell
I once knew love, but learned to hate
when you chose Marian
revenge became my fate
I set the trap, she never knew
she could have lived, but gave her life and all for you
My love for you only grew stronger
the further you drifted away
but we'll die side by side
from this poisonous wine
so in death, we'll be joined on this day
And there is more, one final crime
before we die
you'll hold the antlers one more time
but it's too late, for the poison flows
you can't return them to the heart of your rose
Here is your crown, here is your power
I've waited long to see you in your finest hour
You fought so long and all in vain
you're Queen in death now, I will always remain



IT LIVES IN ME
Robin

Eight thousand nights, we all survived
through winters chilling wind
our spirits burned so bright
This chosen few, the truth we never knew
and oh, all the greenwood in springtime
bathed in that glorious sunshine
Herne and me are one you see
your poison cannot kill this riddle of mystery
your mind so ill will fear me still
I die today to live tomorrow again
All of your greed, so blind it has set me free
it hurts no more, the tears and the pain
The arms of my soul reach out to my deity
he calls for me, let me go
I am the one that will live on to be the proof
yes, it is I not you, and it always was
Love is the answer to all that we need to know
the last time I draw the bow, this spirit must fly
Herne, why so long to finally see the truth
you know it's been killing me a little each day
the earth that I love will drink of my blood today
It lives in me, it lives in me
I am...the heart of the rose



A LONG TIME AGO
Robin & John

My love she calls for me I feel her near
my heart it bleeds now I must leave you here
All these years, I prayed you'd never know
I died inside, such a long time ago
The proof of love you helped me understand
the truth above you placed into my hand
When I say your sorrow overflow
I died inside, such a long time ago
Greenwood, breath of my soul
you are the part of me that never shall grow old
Springtime, valleys of gold
gather me up into your heaven now
and trust in me, this story to be told
Prepare a place for me to lay my head
of sage and heather, my eternal bed
So much love, that only now I know
that brought us here such a long time ago
I wish you peace to meet your journeys end
for then the staff and I will meet again
Through the trees, the arrow and the bow
will tell this world of such a long time ago
will tell this world of such a long time ago



FINALE
Robin & Marian

Where have I seen this face before
yes, I have seen this face before
Only the legends in our mine
could ever dream to ever find
You are tomorrow here today
I don't know how I know
I am the night and you the day
Why do I love you so
You are the Queen to make the King
this is the moment we begin