If you’ve seen the full musical, donkey has a couple moments of outburst at shrek’s behaviour. And because shrek learns about how he’s pushing everyone away it makes for a deeper connection between the two. Plus, donkey has nobody else. In the musical, it’s evident he has tried and tested and never managed to keep a friend around. It makes for a great stage dynamic!
This the best off broadway version of this song I've heard. Absolutely amazing!! I love how Shrek's voice is so moving and emotional. It's very different from the broadway version, which is a good thing. Just absolute love and praise to this version of it!! Beautiful!
What I really like about this performance, is that he doesn't just sing it, trying to reproduce D'Arcy speech patterns. He takes his own decisions, and actually plays the part. It's really good.
+Reed Morgan How cool that this is Ryan Wood as Shrek! I actually did see him as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast last year in San Antonio! So. Worth.The.Trip.
I actually felt more emotional during the song in this performance compared to the Braodway performance. Goes to show, the "Broadway" performance isn't always the end-all be-all right way to do it. There are many right ways to do this scene, and I'm glad each actor who plays these characters do it with their own personality built in. I do agree however that this was pretty slow. Even with many lines said very quickly, it's a 2 hour play.
This is one of the only productions of shrek where shrek doesn't look miserale most of the time. I can tell the actor who played him had a real passion for theater and it just warmed my heart
This is amazing. I wish people would quit comparing it to Broadway. Of course it's not as high of quality as the Broadway version, but that doesn't diminish the fact that this is an amazing performance
I guess I'd be a hero, With sword and armor clashing Looking semi dashing, A shield within my grip Or else I'd be a Viking and live a life of daring While smelling like a herring, upon a Viking ship. I'd sail away, I'd see the world, I'd reach the farthest reaches I'd feel the wind, I'd taste the salt and sea. And maybe storm some beaches. That's who I'd be. That's who I'd be. Or I could be a poet and write a different story, One that tells of glory, and wipes away the lies And to the skies I'd throw it, the stars would do the telling The moon would help with spelling, and night would dot the 'I's I'd write a verse, Recite a joke, with wit and perfect timing. I'd share my heart, confess the things I yearn, and do it all while rhyming. But we all learn. But we all learn. An Ogre always hides, an Ogre's fate is known And Ogre always stays in the dark and all alone So yes I'd be a hero, and if my wish was granted Life would be enchanted, or so the stories say. Of course I'd be a hero, and I would scale a tower To save a hot-house flower, and carry her away But standing guard would be a beast, I'd somehow over whelm it, I'd get the girl, I'd take my breath, and I'd remove my helmet. We'd stand and stare, we'd speak of love, we'd feel the stars ascending We'd share a kiss, I'd find my destiny I'd have a hero's ending, a perfect happy ending. That's how it would be A big bright beautiful world But not for me. [Fiona] An ogre always hides. An ogres fate is know. An ogre always stays in the dark [Shrek] (same time as Fiona's same line) An ogre always stays in the dark [Donkey] you're all alone [Fiona] All Alone (All at the same time) [Shrek] So yes i'd be a hero, and if my wish was granted my life would be enchanted or so the stories say. Of course I'd be a hero and I would scale a tower to save a hot-house flower and carry her away! [Fiona] There are rules and there are strictures. I believe the story books i read by candle light [Donkey] Don't let me go, Don't let me go, Don't let me go [All] A perfect happy ending, that's how.... it.. should be!
Very nice singing, and acting, in this version. It is noticeably slower than other versions of the song, and I think a tad too slow for my tastes -- the song loses some of its impact when this slow -- but still, very well sung.
5:50 Fiona:🎵an ogre always hides. An ogre’s fate is known🎵 Fiona and Shrek: 🎵an ogre always stays in the dark🎵 Donkey: 🎵you’re all alone🎵 Fiona and Shrek: 🎵all alone🎵 Me: damn that’s powerful! And can apply to anything or anyone
Beautiful voice, but I do agree with one of the other comments about a bit too much vibrato for my particular taste. I think you'd make a fantastic Phantom of the Opera though ;) Your acting is not bad at all, I really love how you decided to take it a bit slower at the beginning, it definitely seemed a bit more thoughtful than the Broadway version. And the actress for Fiona is fantastic!
Lied: De held Shrek : Het liefst zou ik een held zijn. Mijn zwaard was oppermachtig, en mijn schild glom prachtig. Zo maakte ik entree. Of neen, misschien een Viking. Stonk, jagend op victorie, naar vis uit elke porie. Trotseerde elke zee. De wereld rond en mijn bestaan , lag in mijn eigen handen. Ik zag de zon, ik zag de zee en zag de allermooiste stranden. Zo zou ik zijn, Zo zou ik zijn. Het liefst was ik een schrijver. Toch had ik mijn verleden, in elk verhaal gemeden. Ik schreef vol fantasie. De nacht hield dan mijn ijver, en de ster las mijn vertelling. En de maan keek na op spelling, voor puntjes op de i. Ik schreef van zon, ik schreef van zee, van mooie vergezichten. Tilde mijn hart. Ik deelde lief en leed en deed dat in gedichten. Terwijl ik weet, terwijl ik weet. Een Oger hoort hier niet, een Oger is gemeen. Een Oger blijft altijd in het donker en alleen. Dus laat mij ooit de held zijn, die uit het slot, betoverd, een prinses veroverd, door storm en vlammenzee. Want ik kan best de held zijn, heb haar mij hulp gezworen. Dus ik red haar uit haar toren en neem haar met me mee. Een draak op wacht, die ik versla. Ik ken geen mededogen. Ik neem haar mee, mijn helm gaat af. Ik kijk haar in de ogen De liefde brand, de liefde bloeit. Het voelt alsof we zweven. Daarna de kus. En voor ons alle twee, na eerst ons hart te geven, een zielsgelukkig leven. Een nieuwe bladzij, een wereld wervelend mooi. Maar nooit voor mij. Fiona: Een Oger hoort hier niet, een Oger is gemeen. Shrek & Fiona : Een Oger blijft altijd, Shrek : in het donker. Donkey : Je blijft alleen. Shrek & Fiona : 'K ben alleen. (Fiona : En hij komt,) Shrek : Dus laat mij ooit de held zijn, (Fiona : hij verschijnt. ) die uit het slot, betoverd, (Fiona: Hij wil me ooit een keer bezoeken.) (Donkey : Zielsalleen) een prinses veroverd. Door storm en vlammenzee. (Fiona: Ik denk dat iedere sprookje dat ik lees, ) Shrek: Want ik kan best de held zijn, (Donkey : Jij zoekt een vriend en ik ben de beste.) heb haar bij hulp gezworen. Dus ik red haar uit haar toren (Fiona : dit voorspeld.) en neem maar met me mee. (Donkey : Ik heb jou.) Shrek & Donkey : Een leven lang gelukkig, Shrek, Fiona & Donkey : bestaat. Dat voor mij.
Ok it the world seen to have a problem with me i don't blame him for that people that can be so judgmental to other people just because that there different 1:50
I gotta say, i’m not a big fan of this musical, i’m really not. For me it goes against a LOT of Shrek (the movie’s) themes. But the actor that plays him here, he kinda makes it work for me
Here’s my issue. This is such an amazing performance-but tempo is so slow it makes it very dramatic, and I think he almost makes each line “too” dramatic so you can’t relate
Stephanie Gripp His name, is Ryan Wood. He is also playing, the part of Beast in "Beauty and the Beast" national tour. Hope, that you, can use my ansver. :-)
I’m here a little late, while this performance is good. I personally prefer Brian D’arcy James version to me he shows more emotion in a subtle and powerful way,
please don't take this the wrong way ... but if you haven't seen Brian d'Arcy James perform this song, you haven't really seen it -- or more fittingly, heard it. I saw him in Next to Normal and he as amazing. You can find his version online. Ryan Wood's acting is fine. His voice is fine. But with all due respect, he's not Brian. Not even close.
Good, but not my cup of tea. I am personally not a fan of the way this song was done in this production. I don't get that feeling of Shrek's loneliness and sadness. The singing is great, but the message I feel isn't conveyed in a proper way.
The acting choices seemed a bit off. Wasn't too convincing. I really didn't enjoy most of it. The actors seemed to drag tempo a bit, also. Which, in turn, slowed down the song. Not saying that all that was a bad thing, I guess everyone just has different tastes! Or, maybe I've just seen the Broadway version so many times that I'm accustomed to that! However, you have to love theatre for its diverse personality and creativity! Great production hear. (Even though I cringed through most of it... That's ok. Theatre is Theatre. Win some, lose some. Just trying to give a positive dislike, lol)
this was terrible. Shrek has little to no emotion when he sings let alone when he talks. I feel no pity nor sadness for this man. his fabrato is good I will give him that. as for donkey, even worse. there is no hilarity, no anoyance in his voice. his performance is 48 cards short of a deck.
Thanks for sharing your opinion. However, you should know that it's spelled vibrato (it's the past participle of the italian word for vibrate). I don't think that it's worth the bother of changing here as maybe ten people will read it ever, but I figure that not telling you is a bit like no one telling you that you have a hair sticking up.
Sorry to disappoint! Maybe I should leave New York and just trow in the towel? Glad you at least liked my "fabrato". At least I've got that going for me.. Thanks for the feedback!
+Ryan Everett look if I knew you were going to throw a tantrum over my comment,I would have kept it to myself. do you attempt suicide whenever you get a bad review of your shows? look I know good and well how hard it is to get criticism in this industry. after all I do the same thing. saying it was terrible was probably a little harsh. do I think it was a great performance...no but it was alright to me. if getting so mad over my simple comment is that devastating to you, then maybe you shouldn't be in a profession where EVERYTHING you do is criticized. don't worry I won't say more. best of luck and break a leg with playing Beast though. He really is an amazing character to play.
I have to say, this is one of my favorite songs in the musical, and I think you and the other cast members pulled it off very nicely! Ignore the haters, that guy has no frickin' idea what he's talking about, anyway. xP (Opinions: they're not right or wrong, but some of them just flat out STINK.)
This scene in the movie and the play was why I like Donkey so much. Shrek gives him a lot of shit, but Donkey is his friend unconditionally
Not the real shrek the musical I only like the real movie
We all need that one friend who doesnt give up on us.
If you’ve seen the full musical, donkey has a couple moments of outburst at shrek’s behaviour. And because shrek learns about how he’s pushing everyone away it makes for a deeper connection between the two. Plus, donkey has nobody else. In the musical, it’s evident he has tried and tested and never managed to keep a friend around. It makes for a great stage dynamic!
Shrek has such emotion. I like his acting choices in this role
Ikr?!!! I would love to work with him as an actress!
This the best off broadway version of this song I've heard. Absolutely amazing!! I love how Shrek's voice is so moving and emotional. It's very different from the broadway version, which is a good thing. Just absolute love and praise to this version of it!! Beautiful!
What I really like about this performance, is that he doesn't just sing it, trying to reproduce D'Arcy speech patterns. He takes his own decisions, and actually plays the part. It's really good.
The guy that played shrek did the acting part really well.
This song puts me in tears and gives me goose bumps everywhere I absolutely love it
I cried at this, and I hardly ever cry. This was amazing!
If you want to see Ryan Wood (Shrek in this video) he's playing the Beast in the National Tour of Beauty and the Beast.
+Reed Morgan How cool that this is Ryan Wood as Shrek! I actually did see him as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast last year in San Antonio! So. Worth.The.Trip.
I actually felt more emotional during the song in this performance compared to the Braodway performance. Goes to show, the "Broadway" performance isn't always the end-all be-all right way to do it. There are many right ways to do this scene, and I'm glad each actor who plays these characters do it with their own personality built in. I do agree however that this was pretty slow. Even with many lines said very quickly, it's a 2 hour play.
I think this was the best I have seen the shrek makeup done in a while
I love your name so much!
thank you I use to do toy reviews and sweeneytodd toy reviews had a good ring to it and I love the musical sweeneytodd
What was it like doing the makeup for the transformation scene?
I ship Shreck and the hothouse flower.
MAGA
Okay he's incredible.
This is one of the only productions of shrek where shrek doesn't look miserale most of the time. I can tell the actor who played him had a real passion for theater and it just warmed my heart
I love how high quality this is. You would think its being performed on Broadway. Love it!
Wow whoever played Shrek was really good!!!!
It was ur mom
Soooo impressive OMG standing ovation
This is amazing. I wish people would quit comparing it to Broadway. Of course it's not as high of quality as the Broadway version, but that doesn't diminish the fact that this is an amazing performance
It is Broadway because their onstage live performing but yea Ik I wish they wouldn't compare it to the actual one :(
This Shrek is pretty fantastic!
I couldn't help but cry when I first heard this. It shows that they all want to have a happy ending in their lives.
I love this version so much!
This Shrek is tenor goals. He's so freakin good.
My school is doing this musical, and this song is really inspiring. I'm so excited now! His voice is really amazing and moving.
I guess I'd be a hero, With sword and armor clashing
Looking semi dashing, A shield within my grip
Or else I'd be a Viking and live a life of daring
While smelling like a herring, upon a Viking ship.
I'd sail away, I'd see the world, I'd reach the farthest reaches
I'd feel the wind, I'd taste the salt and sea.
And maybe storm some beaches.
That's who I'd be. That's who I'd be.
Or I could be a poet and write a different story,
One that tells of glory, and wipes away the lies
And to the skies I'd throw it, the stars would do the telling
The moon would help with spelling, and night would dot the 'I's
I'd write a verse, Recite a joke, with wit and perfect timing.
I'd share my heart, confess the things I yearn, and do it all while rhyming.
But we all learn. But we all learn.
An Ogre always hides, an Ogre's fate is known
And Ogre always stays in the dark and all alone
So yes I'd be a hero, and if my wish was granted
Life would be enchanted, or so the stories say.
Of course I'd be a hero, and I would scale a tower
To save a hot-house flower, and carry her away
But standing guard would be a beast, I'd somehow over whelm it,
I'd get the girl, I'd take my breath, and I'd remove my helmet.
We'd stand and stare, we'd speak of love, we'd feel the stars ascending
We'd share a kiss, I'd find my destiny
I'd have a hero's ending, a perfect happy ending.
That's how it would be
A big bright beautiful world
But not for me.
[Fiona]
An ogre always hides. An ogres fate is know. An ogre always stays in the dark
[Shrek] (same time as Fiona's same line)
An ogre always stays in the dark
[Donkey]
you're all alone
[Fiona]
All Alone
(All at the same time)
[Shrek]
So yes i'd be a hero, and if my wish was granted my life would be enchanted or so the stories say.
Of course I'd be a hero and I would scale a tower to save a hot-house flower and carry her away!
[Fiona]
There are rules and there are strictures. I believe the story books i read by candle light
[Donkey]
Don't let me go, Don't let me go, Don't let me go
[All]
A perfect happy ending, that's how.... it.. should be!
oh god, i love that donkey =)
like how much cuter can he get?
I like this version too but i really love Brian D'Arcy James's version
His Version is better . Brian's version
Yeah because this is an amateur production
How did they do Shreks makeup for this show. I just got cast as shrek and this is the best makeup I’ve seen in an Ameture production.
The music was a little dragged out but a great video!
I'm surprised this isn't Broadway.
Ryan Dieffenbach it’s not broadway!
Ryan Dieffenbach no, it’s not.
It was
So raw, i love this better than the filmed version 🙌🏼
Shrek is exactly like me I have been called horrible things and I really just want to be the hero who saves the day
This guy's singing is better than the original :O good find!
shreks voice...chills.
any body see shrek's mask comeing off in the back
veggietalesraymond yea
veggietalesraymond yep
Mhm.
Good thing its the end of act 1
Very nice singing, and acting, in this version. It is noticeably slower than other versions of the song, and I think a tad too slow for my tastes -- the song loses some of its impact when this slow -- but still, very well sung.
Such a beautiful song!
I’ll gladly hear an orchestra play it at 90% speed in exchange for this level quality
Is it sarcasm
I remember seeing this on New Years in Manchester
SO MANY CHILLS omg
Amazing just Amazing
Love this ugh it's a shame they shut down
Whoa the guy who plays donkey is ABSOLUTELY HILAROUS!!!
5:50
Fiona:🎵an ogre always hides. An ogre’s fate is known🎵
Fiona and Shrek: 🎵an ogre always stays in the dark🎵
Donkey: 🎵you’re all alone🎵
Fiona and Shrek: 🎵all alone🎵
Me: damn that’s powerful! And can apply to anything or anyone
I legitimaly cried during this song
I was sitting in my music exam trying to work what this song was called aha
Awesome
🎵 But we all learn but we all learn an ogre alway hide an ogre faith is know an ogre alway stay in the dark and all alone 🎵 4:13 5:50
I'm playing shrek in my middle school production- so sad this song isn't included in the Jr version
The song starts at 2:50
I cried
Who is this guy as shrek? He’s incredible!
SHREK ON FLEEK DONKEY ON FLEEK FIONA ON FLEEK THIS SONG ON FLEEK GOOD JOB WELL FUCKING DONE I APPLAUD YOU FAM
I love this scene 5:33
I love it
Beautiful voice, but I do agree with one of the other comments about a bit too much vibrato for my particular taste. I think you'd make a fantastic Phantom of the Opera though ;) Your acting is not bad at all, I really love how you decided to take it a bit slower at the beginning, it definitely seemed a bit more thoughtful than the Broadway version. And the actress for Fiona is fantastic!
Lied: De held
Shrek :
Het liefst zou ik een held zijn. Mijn zwaard was oppermachtig, en mijn schild glom prachtig. Zo maakte ik entree.
Of neen, misschien een Viking. Stonk, jagend op victorie,
naar vis uit elke porie. Trotseerde elke zee.
De wereld rond
en mijn bestaan ,
lag in mijn eigen handen.
Ik zag de zon,
ik zag de zee en zag
de allermooiste stranden.
Zo zou ik zijn, Zo zou ik zijn.
Het liefst was ik een schrijver. Toch had ik mijn verleden,
in elk verhaal gemeden.
Ik schreef vol fantasie.
De nacht hield dan mijn ijver,
en de ster las mijn vertelling.
En de maan keek na op spelling, voor puntjes op de i.
Ik schreef van zon,
ik schreef van zee,
van mooie vergezichten.
Tilde mijn hart.
Ik deelde lief en leed
en deed dat in gedichten.
Terwijl ik weet, terwijl ik weet.
Een Oger hoort hier niet, een Oger is gemeen. Een Oger blijft altijd
in het donker en alleen.
Dus laat mij ooit de held zijn,
die uit het slot, betoverd, een prinses veroverd,
door storm en vlammenzee.
Want ik kan best de held zijn, heb haar mij hulp gezworen. Dus ik red haar uit haar toren en neem haar met me mee.
Een draak op wacht,
die ik versla.
Ik ken geen mededogen.
Ik neem haar mee, mijn helm gaat af.
Ik kijk haar in de ogen
De liefde brand,
de liefde bloeit.
Het voelt alsof we zweven.
Daarna de kus.
En voor ons alle twee,
na eerst ons hart te geven, een zielsgelukkig leven.
Een nieuwe bladzij,
een wereld wervelend mooi.
Maar nooit voor mij.
Fiona:
Een Oger hoort hier niet, een Oger is gemeen.
Shrek & Fiona :
Een Oger blijft altijd, Shrek : in het donker.
Donkey : Je blijft alleen. Shrek & Fiona : 'K ben alleen.
(Fiona : En hij komt,)
Shrek : Dus laat mij ooit de held zijn, (Fiona : hij verschijnt. )
die uit het slot, betoverd, (Fiona: Hij wil me ooit een keer bezoeken.) (Donkey : Zielsalleen) een prinses veroverd.
Door storm en vlammenzee.
(Fiona: Ik denk dat iedere sprookje dat ik lees, )
Shrek: Want ik kan best de held zijn, (Donkey : Jij zoekt een vriend en ik ben de beste.) heb haar bij hulp gezworen.
Dus ik red haar uit haar toren (Fiona : dit voorspeld.)
en neem maar met me mee. (Donkey : Ik heb jou.)
Shrek & Donkey :
Een leven lang gelukkig,
Shrek, Fiona & Donkey : bestaat.
Dat voor mij.
How we will be in the that past
You know it’s not Broadway because of the amateurish props. However the talents are stellar.
why the FUCK am i tearing up at shrek??
Good job
1:49 I’m not the one with the problem
Ok it the world seen to have a problem with me i don't blame him for that people that can be so judgmental to other people just because that there different 1:50
This is my favorite from the show, and I love this version!! ❤️ I did a short cover of the ending trio on my channel if you want to check it out!
Did he get off time with the band towards the end
Does anyone know where they got the makeup for Shrek? Just wondering.
2:42 song
What’s the name of the guy playing Shrek here?
Does anyone know who played this Shrek?
Where can I find the whole video
Where is this?
Why was the tempo so slow 😭
Fiona’s glove is slipping off
who played shrek?
I gotta say, i’m not a big fan of this musical, i’m really not. For me it goes against a LOT of Shrek (the movie’s) themes.
But the actor that plays him here, he kinda makes it work for me
Good lord this dragged.
Dean Baker I think it was more about the interpretation though. While the tempo was definitely under, it felt intentional
Here’s my issue. This is such an amazing performance-but tempo is so slow it makes it very dramatic, and I think he almost makes each line “too” dramatic so you can’t relate
I like his singing but this one doesn't look like real shrek .-. A real shrek look like a guy in nextflix (US) but you did a good job.
I think he sounds nice, it’s just really really slow
whos is this shrek
Stephanie Gripp His name, is Ryan Wood. He is also playing, the part of Beast in "Beauty and the Beast" national tour.
Hope, that you, can use my ansver. :-)
the singing is good but the music is dragging alittle and he looks like frozen guacamole and thats sad
and Mexico will pay for the wall
1:29 Shrek=trump?
I’m here a little late, while this performance is good. I personally prefer Brian D’arcy James version to me he shows more emotion in a subtle and powerful way,
When you think about it Shrek pioneered Donald Trump's concept of building a wall around your problems
please don't take this the wrong way ... but if you haven't seen Brian d'Arcy James perform this song, you haven't really seen it -- or more fittingly, heard it. I saw him in Next to Normal and he as amazing. You can find his version online. Ryan Wood's acting is fine. His voice is fine. But with all due respect, he's not Brian. Not even close.
i hesr donkey singing wht is he singing
madison yard
"you're all alone
all alone
you need a pal my calendars open
you need me
a perfect happy ending
that's how it should be"
And Mexico will pay for it
Where the FUCK is the accent?!?
Good, but not my cup of tea. I am personally not a fan of the way this song was done in this production. I don't get that feeling of Shrek's loneliness and sadness. The singing is great, but the message I feel isn't conveyed in a proper way.
Why does the sound production and arrangement annoys in this annoys me so much?
Fiona is a man?????
The acting choices seemed a bit off. Wasn't too convincing. I really didn't enjoy most of it. The actors seemed to drag tempo a bit, also. Which, in turn, slowed down the song.
Not saying that all that was a bad thing, I guess everyone just has different tastes! Or, maybe I've just seen the Broadway version so many times that I'm accustomed to that!
However, you have to love theatre for its diverse personality and creativity! Great production hear. (Even though I cringed through most of it... That's ok. Theatre is Theatre. Win some, lose some. Just trying to give a positive dislike, lol)
*here
I thought this Shrek sucked
The actor for donkey did a really bad job
this guy doesn't play a good shrek. also his costume needs adjusting especially his makeup.
this was terrible. Shrek has little to no emotion when he sings let alone when he talks. I feel no pity nor sadness for this man. his fabrato is good I will give him that. as for donkey, even worse. there is no hilarity, no anoyance in his voice. his performance is 48 cards short of a deck.
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
However, you should know that it's spelled vibrato (it's the past participle of the italian word for vibrate).
I don't think that it's worth the bother of changing here as maybe ten people will read it ever, but I figure that not telling you is a bit like no one telling you that you have a hair sticking up.
Sorry to disappoint! Maybe I should leave New York and just trow in the towel? Glad you at least liked my "fabrato". At least I've got that going for me.. Thanks for the feedback!
+Ryan Everett Don't feed the trolls. We both know you're a fantastic performer.
+Ryan Everett look if I knew you were going to throw a tantrum over my comment,I would have kept it to myself. do you attempt suicide whenever you get a bad review of your shows? look I know good and well how hard it is to get criticism in this industry. after all I do the same thing. saying it was terrible was probably a little harsh. do I think it was a great performance...no but it was alright to me. if getting so mad over my simple comment is that devastating to you, then maybe you shouldn't be in a profession where EVERYTHING you do is criticized. don't worry I won't say more. best of luck and break a leg with playing Beast though. He really is an amazing character to play.
I have to say, this is one of my favorite songs in the musical, and I think you and the other cast members pulled it off very nicely! Ignore the haters, that guy has no frickin' idea what he's talking about, anyway. xP (Opinions: they're not right or wrong, but some of them just flat out STINK.)