In most recorded versions of "American Dreaming," Brendan Perry sings in one line something to the effect of:

Here alone on the grounds of allegiances we've left behind
Turned back by the foot of the doorway
Never lost and found

But in some alternate versions, he sings:

Here alone in our dark given(?) ways safely inside by the fire
Spare a thought for the unfortunate man
Who must choose between love and desire

Does anyone know what concert or studio recordings have the alternate verse?
[Edited 5/22/07 10:33am]

American Dreaming isn't on any of their studio albums as far as I know. I think it's mostly done live. In that respect the lyrics probably change a bit.

superspaceboy said:

I wonder if he sang the "love and desire" line during the 2005 North American tour? I have the Toronto recording, but it's not on me right now.

I'll check my Chicago 2005 show tomorrow if I get a minute. There are some differences in a few of the songs ~ I'll have to listen again to see where but it is interesting to hear how the slight change of lyrics can juxtapose the song over the original and provide a new perspective.

MoonSongs said:

Cool.

I'm gonna try to dig up my Toronto show, too.

Lammastide said:

In the Chicago show, he is singing the alternate (second) version. I had trouble capturing the lyrics for the first line but will listen again tonight.

MoonSongs said:

Awesome! I prefer that version. If he sang it in Toronto, I'm glad I own it. Thanks!

Lammastide said:

It gave me a good reason to visit the Chicago show again ~ it's been a while since I've listened. His performance of Severance as an encore was exquisite!

How bizarre ~ when doing a google search for Dead Can Dance lyrics alternate version American Dreaming, guess what comes up? Your thread Lammastide! I've not been successful at determining that one line yet. Sorry.

MoonSongs said:

How cool. I've found org threads in a few Google searches.

Don't kill yourself over finding the lyrics to that line. I find transcriptions of "American Dreaming" are pretty sorted as the full lyrics have never been printed anywhere "official." Only a truncated version appears on Brendan Perry's website.

Anyhow, there's something to be said about mulling over what the words are in my own head. Imagination can be fun.