If you’ve ever listened to Sarah McLachlan perform her song, “Angel,” then you know what it’s like to have your heartstrings pulled. But one group of concert-goers had their experience amplified when she was joined by another musical guest for a duet.
McLachlan was one of many artists who were part of the Live 8 benefit shows that were performed worldwide. The Canadian singer participated in “Live 8 Philly,” which had the Philadelphia Museum of Art as its backdrop.
The crowd was in for a real treat when McLachlan began playing “Angel” on the piano. They roared with applause even before the first words fell from her mouth.
However, just as McLachlan got to the main chorus, she was joined by her special guest on stage.
Much to everyone’s delight, a world renowned artist came walking out with a microphone in hand. Together, they sang the powerful lyrics.
“In the arms of the angel, fly away from here. From this dark, cold hotel room – and the endlessness that you fear.”
Both singers have voices that are capable of spellbinding a crowd. So when they join together it sounds like they were sent from up above.
“You are pulled from the wreckage – of your silent reverie. You’re in the arms of the angel – may you find some comfort here.”
Everyone listened silently as the musical artists went back and forth singing a duet of “Angel.” Their performance is emotional and breathtaking, to say the least.
Many have been brought to tears by the song “Angel,” especially when it plays on the ASPCA ads featuring McLachlan as an advocate for animals. Yet, not everyone knows the story behind it.
When asked about its meaning on Quora, the singer revealed it was actually about the late artist, Jonathan Melvoin. She explained:
“I wrote “Angel” after being on the road for almost 2 years straight and was both mentally and physically drained. I went to a cottage north of Montreal to relax and write. I read on arrival in Rolling Stone about the Smashing Pumpkins keyboard player who had od’ed in a hotel room.”
McLachlan continued:
“The story shook me because though I have never done anything like that, I felt a flood of empathy for him and that feeling of being lost, lonely and desperately searching for some kind of release. I wrote that song in 2 days.”
The songstress also talked about this background on VH1’s Storytellers. After “Angel” was released, it stayed near the top of the Billboard chart for several months.
Listening to Sarah McLachlan play a solo of “Angel” on her piano gives you chills. But adding in a superstar for a duet was a beautiful gift to the world.
People on the internet were also extremely touched by their unforgettable performance. One man wrote:
“Simply a beautiful voice complimented with another, no other ballad can touch angel, in my opinion it is a perfect song, it touches me somewhere deep down inside my soul every time I listen to it.”
Another comment said:
“Two beautiful singers who know how to give people goosebumps <3 I love this version.”
This rendition of “Angel” might just take your breath away – just like when McLachlan paired up with Pink for a duet.
Enjoy it for yourself in the video below!
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