Another hero,
Another mindless crime,
Behind the curtain,
In the pantomime.
On and on
Does anybody know
What we are living for?
Whatever happened
We leave it all to chance.
Another heartache
Another failed romance.
On and on
Does anybody know
What we are living for?
The show must go on.
The show must go on.
Outside the dawn is
breaking on the stage.
That holds our final destiny.
The show must go on.
The show must go on.

Inside my heart is breaking,
My make up may be flaking,
But my smile still stays on.
The show must go on.
The show must go on.
I'll top the bill
I'll earn the kill
I have to find the will
to carry on.
On with the, on with the,
On with the show.
On with the show.
On with the show.
The show, the show must go on.


Lyrics submitted by BroadwayAngel232

Nicole Kidman And Cast- The Show Must Go On song meanings
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11 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    This song is really powerful and has so many contrasts of voices. IT really works

    em2000on May 14, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    a song that is both powerful and very deeply sorrowful. it somehow feels slightly, and appropriately, understated, even at its symphonic heights.

    skizdion June 17, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I thought this was a song made just for the movie because it fit so extremely well, but I figured I'd check anyway and gained a whole new respect for Queen. It's awesome though and performed very well. All about the times when you just have no choice but to go on, something easy to relate to for me.

    thinkitbeiton June 30, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    This song is one of my favourites used in Moulin Rouge, mostly because it sounds the most like true musical theatre instead of pop. (It sounds so much like "One Day More" from Les Mis, for example.)

    I can relate to this song so much, and anyone who has theatre or art in their blood I'm sure could relate.

    It's about putting art and the pursuit of art above all else--and even when it hurts, you still wouldn't have it any other way.

    On with the show...

    bertrandeon June 30, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I was so surprised when I heard Queen (which is my favorite band) in the movie. This song wasn't on the soundtrack, can you believe it? It's goregeous, but they didn't put it in. Why? Was it copyrights? Does anyone know?

    hotarukatakion July 30, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I was so surprised when I heard Queen (which is my favorite band) in the movie. This song wasn't on the soundtrack, can you believe it? It's goregeous, but they didn't put it in. Why? Was it copyrights? Does anyone know?

    hotarukatakion July 30, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It's on the second edition of the soundtrack.

    missbinnyon March 12, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    moulin rouge is story of my life as i live it now. the particular moment i am stuck in is THE SHOW MUST GO ON. less than a week ago i was forced to break up with THE love of my life or else my family would see to it that he was done for. when i watch this movie i get so immersed because its so me (its sad actually! and im not the only one who says this) but this song pulls at my heart because that is the exact moment im living.

    *ScreamingRiotGirl*on June 25, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I agree that it is the most broadway-type of song on this album and in this film. The use of this song is brilliant. The lyric "inside my heart is breaking, my make up may be flaking, but my smile still stays on" was so perfect for Satine. This song is really the epitome of the emotion of having to push forward in times where you just want to give up. Everyone can relate to it.
    Beautifully staged and beautifully sung.

    Kidmanishon July 07, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    can anyone tell me what does "i'll top the bill..I'll earn the kill" mean??

    moulinrougeon August 01, 2009   Link

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