"Words Fail" - Evan Hansen [Dear Evan Hansen]

This was just a sad invention

It wasn't real, I know

But we were happy

I guess I couldn't let that go

I guess I couldn't give that up

I guess I wanted to believe

'Cause if I just believe

Then I don't have to see what's really there

No, I'd rather pretend I'm something better than these broken parts

Pretend I'm something other than this mess that I am

'Cause then I don't have to look at it

And no one gets to look at it

No, no one can really see

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(this is the fourth part of my review for Dear Evan Hansen – for full context, plot and reference read the first part here.)

I can say that this is one of the most emotional songs in this Musical. Every time I listen to this song, it never fails to make me feel emotional. Just like what I’ve said in the first part of my review, this is the song where Evan finally tells the truth to the Murphys’ that his friendship with Connor is just a lie and all the stories were just made up.

As I listened closely to the lyrics of this song, you will notice that Evan tried to explain everything why he did such a thing. There are fears and intense hurt. Hurt not just with the Murphys’ but with himself as well.

On top of this review, I have inserted the lyrics that hit me the most. Evan knew that what he did was wrong. But as soon as he saw that through this “lie” he started to achieve his dream of having a real family and also became an instrument of healing to them, he just couldn’t easily let go.

As a person who wants to be known not just because of his broken arm, anxieties, and what is “wrong” with him, Evan hid in his own fantasy. A fantasy where all people loved and admired him.

Now that the truth is out, the question is will the Murphys’ reject Evan? What will happen to his relationship with Zoe? Evan, who used to run away from all his insecurities is now forced to face it head-on. Can he still bounce back?

I may not be technically trained when it comes to music but another thing that I liked about this song is its phasing. The subtleness at the start that became intense in the middle and slowly drops at the end. From trying his best to be heard to letting out his inner struggle to wondering what will happens next after all of this, it clearly shows that “Words Fail” embodied what the protagonist is going through which everyone can relate to in one way or another.

See other Dear Evan Hansen Reviews:

Part 1: "Dear Evan Hansen" - Musical Review

Part 2: "Waving Through A Window"

Part 3: "For Forever"

Part 5: "You Will Be Found"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhqsSnX3uII