'Come What May' - Original Film Version
Performed by Nicole
Kidman and Ewan McGregor
Written by David Baerwald, Arranged by Craig Armstrong
Produced by BLAM, Josh G Abrahams, Craig Armstrong and Marius DeVries
Three versions of Come What May were released on the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, and this original film version can only be found on 'Volume 2'. The original film version is my favourite rendition of this powefully moving song. It is a slightly abridged version of the LP release featured on 'Volume 1' of the soundtrack, but I love the way it is incorporated into the film, as it is this beautiful love song is what ultimately binds Christian and Satine together. Christian comes up with the idea of a lovers 'secret song' to be included in the 'Spectacular Spectacular' musical he is preparing for the Moulin Rouge. However, the secret song has double meaning, for not only does it symbolise the love between the courtesan and maharaja in the play, but more significantly it becomes the theme tune for the true love shared between Satine and Christian.
The romantic melody of Come What May was originally composed by David Baerwald for inclusion in Luhrmann's previous film, Romeo + Juliet. However, the song was saved for Moulin Rouge, and it is the only fully original song that is featured in the film. Come What May begins as a song of hope and happiness as an emotional duet on Christian's balcony. One of the most memorable parts of the film for me is when Christian recites the first verse and sings "I will love you until my dying day". The camera magically pans back from the lovers and across the city of Paris. It is a complete CGI shot that looks remarkable, right down to the flying birds in the sky. The song then continues to serve as a reminder of their secret relationship as Satine and Christian accompany the Duke on a picnic and as the lovers rehearse the play under the guise of their roles as writer and actress. The first rendition, and original film version, of Come What May ends with a deeply moving finale on stage in the theatre of the Moulin Rouge.
The final reprise of Come What May is a version that is featured in the film but not on the soundtrack. In this version, the tune turns from one of hope to one full of sadness and longing as Satine sings live on stage to woo back Christian after her misguided betrayal. It is a great shame that this final reprise of the song was not included on the soundtrack, as Nicole and Ewan give amazing vocal performances. But it is the first rendition that was selected as the original film version, and this song is my favourite tune on the entire soundtrack.
Lyrics:
Christian - Never knew I
could feel like this
Like I've never seen the sky before
Want to vanish inside your kiss
Seasons may change, winter to spring
But I love you until the end of time
Come what may
Come what may
I will love you
Until my dying day
Both - Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place
Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace
Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste
It all revolves around you
And there's no mountain too high
No river too wide
Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side
Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide
Christian - But I love you
Satine - I love you
Christian - Until the end of time
Satine - Until the end of time
Both - Come what may
Come what may
I will love you
Choir - The greatest thing you'll ever learn...
Chorus - Come what may
Satine and Argentinean - I will love you
Chorus - Come what may
Satine and Argentinean - Yes I will love you
Chorus - Come what may
All - I will love you
Until my dying day