I find “The Prayer” to be one of the most beautiful songs ever written. It’s authors, who wrote the song back in 1998, are Tony Dennis, David Foster, Alberto Testa, and Carole Bayer Sager. The song was first recorded in two versions for the 1998 film “Quest for Camelot.” The English version was sung by Celine Dion, while the Italian version was recorded by Andrea Bocelli. Later, both Dion and Bocelli came together to record a duet of the song which would appear on their respective albums. As to the meaning behind the lyrics, Sager noted that he believed the song embodied everything he searched for her entire life. She also remarked how she did not know what it felt like to feel safe until she met her current husband, Bob Daly, in her mid-forties.
Foster would describe the meaning of the song as being many different things to a lot of people. However, I think the song represents hope for the future, as it would often reference children in its chorus, which says in part, “So let the children remember the sun. Let them Dance, let them soar.” In this 2009 video, we see Celine and Andrea performing “The Prayer” live during a show themed “Quest for Camelot.”
The backdrop for the performance is set in what looks to be a great hall with a golden staircase in the middle. As the performance begins, we see Celine walking down the staircase as she sings the first part of the song. Suddenly a light shines on Andrea, who’s standing just in front of her as he begins to sing. Celine walks over to Andrea, and the two create some of the most exquisite harmonies we’ve ever heard.
Image via YouTube
Treat yourself to their incredible performance by watching the video below.