Trivia / Buffy the Vampire Slayer S6E7 "Once More, With Feeling"

• Acting For Three: The same actors played the dancing vampires and demon in "Going Through The Motions", the dancing street sweepers while Xander, Anya and Giles are walking down the street, and the puppet minions.
• Actor-Inspired Element: The tempo of "Bunnies" was inspired by how Emma Caulfield would sometimes sing to Joss Whedon on set.
• Awesome, Dear Boy: Broadway legend Hinton Battle agreed to play Sweet the Dancing Demon primarily because he was a huge fan of the show and thought the idea of getting made up like a demon would be "a stone cold groove" that he had never experienced before.
• Blooper: During "Something To Sing About", Tara can be seen walking into a pole by accident and adjusting herself in the background.
• The Cast Showoff: Played straight with several of the cast, particularly James Marsters, Anthony Stewart Head and Amber Benson (all three of whom are trained or professional singers; Marsters used to sing and play guitar in a rock band called Ghost of The Robot, Head has recorded several albums in England, and both Amber and Marsters guested on one of them), who get to show off their impressive pipes. Benson and Michelle Trachtenberg also display their dancing skills. Inverted with Willow having almost no singing lines on her own; (Alyson Hannigan specifically requested she be given as few lines as possible, because she considered herself a bad singer; "Under Your Spell" was originally written as a duet.) Michelle Trachtenberg also made this request, though when she's singing more in her natural alto during the verses of "Where Do We Go From Here?" instead of the falsetto she used previously, her voice is much stronger. Hannigan was reportedly quite surprised by how good her voice sounded in the final version, and regretted not singing more.
• Completely Different Title:
  • French: "Que le Spectale Commence!" (Let the Show Begin!)
  • Italian: "La vita è un musical" (Life Is a Musical)
  • Polish: "Zagraj to jeszcze raz" (Play It Again)
  • Portuguese (Brazil): "Quem Canta os Males Atrai" (Who Sings the Evil Attracts)
• Creator Backlash: Inverted. Sarah Michelle Gellar hated the preparation for the episode and became very anxious about singing. However, she loved the finished episode and said she was glad she did it, though she also said she never wanted to do it again. In fact, Sarah accepted the lead role in the series Ringer on the condition that the show did not feature a Musical Episode.
• Corpsing: Amber Benson and Emma Caulfield dance behind Sarah Michelle Gellar during the song "Something To Sing About" on The Bronze set. As the dance was ending, Amber made a misstep while turning and ran into one of the support pillars (you can see this near the end of the line "and every single verse"). Since the sequence was being filmed with a multi-camera setup, you can see her beginning to lose it in the next shot (the line "can make it that much worse") and she quickly ducks behind the pillar to get off-camera.
• Creator's Favorite Episode: Joss Whedon and Nicholas Brendon named this as one of their favourite episodes. James Marsters named it as his favourite.
• Deleted Scene: One line was cut due to length, about Sweet and Buffy:
  Giles: What does he want?
  Henchman: Her... plus chaos and insanity and people burning up, but that's more big picture stuff.
• Edited for Syndication: The original runtime was over 50 minutes, so obvious trims were made for reruns.
• Non-Singing Voice: Almost. Plans were to dub Buffy's singing voice with Jewel but Sarah Michelle Gellar didn't want to be the only cast member not doing her own singing.
• Reality Subtext: Willow's one line during "Walk Through The Fire" - "I think this line's mostly filler" - references how Alyson Hannigan was reluctant to sing too much.
• Scully Box: When Willow and Tara are walking over the bridge in "I'm Under Your Spell", you can see that Alyson Hannigan is wearing high heels to minimize the almost three inch height difference between her and Amber Benson.
• Serendipity Writes the Plot: "Under Your Spell" would have been a duet. As mentioned below, Alyson Hannigan didn't want to sing. It ends up working better when Tara is singing it solo and becomes Foreshadowing when she realizes that Willow literally enspelled her, and is horrified on realizing it.
• Wag the Director: "Under Your Spell" was supposed to be a duet between Willow and Tara. Alyson Hannigan wasn't comfortable with her singing and she requested to not have many sung moments. As a result, Willow has no solos or duets.
• You Look Familiar: The vampires and demon in "Going Through The Motions", the puppet minions, and the dancing street sweepers are all played by the same three actors.

Lyrics

Going Through the Motions — Buffy & monsters

Buffy
Every single night, the same arrangement
I go out and fight the fight
Still, I always feel the strange estrangement
Nothing here is real, nothing here is right

I've been making shows of trading blows, just hoping no one knows
That I've been going through the motions, walking through the part
Nothing seems to penetrate my heart

I was always brave and kind of righteous, now I find I'm wavering
Crawl out of your grave, you find this fight just doesn't mean a thing

Vampire
She ain't got that swing

Buffy
Thanks for noticing

Demon & Vampires
She does pretty well with fiends from hell
But lately, we can tell
That she's just going through the motions
(Going through the motions)
Faking it somehow

Demon
She's not even half the girl she...ow

Buffy
Will I stay this way forever, sleepwalk through my life's endeavor?

Hunk
How can I repay—

Buffy
Whatever, I don't want to be
Going through the motions, losing all my drive
I can't even see if this is really me
And I just want to be alive

I've Got a Theory — all Scoobies

Giles
I've got a theory, that it's a demon
A dancing demon, no, something isn't right there.

Willow
I've got a theory, some kid is dreaming
And we're all stuck inside his wacky Broadway nightmare

Xander
I've got a theory, we should work this out

Xander, Willow, Tara, Anya
It's getting eerie, what's this cheery singing all about?

Xander
It could be witches, some evil witches
Which is ridiculous 'cause witches they were persecuted
Wicca good and love the earth and woman power and I'll be over here.

Anya
I've got a theory, it could be bunnies

Tara
I've got a—

Anya
Bunnies aren't just cute like everybody supposes
They got them hoppy legs and twitchy little noses
And what's with all the carrots, what do they need such good eyesight for anyway?
Bunnies, bunnies, it must be bunnies
Or maybe midgets

Willow
I've got a theory, we should work this fast
Willow & Giles
Because it clearly could get serious before it's passed.

Buffy
I've got a theory, it doesn't matter, what can't we face if we're together?
What's in this place that we can't weather?
Apocalypse, we've all been there, the same old trips, why should we care?

Buffy, Willow, Xander, Tara, Anya, Giles
What can't we do if we get in it?
We'll work it through within a minute
We have to try, we'll pay the price
It's do or die,
Buffy
Hey, I've died twice

What can't we face if we're together?
(What can't we face?)
What's in this place we can't weather?
(If we're together)
There's nothing we can't face

Anya
Except for bunnies.

Under Your Spell — Tara solo

I lived my life in shadow, never the sun on my face
It didn't seem so sad, though, I figured that was my place
Now I'm bathed in light, something just isn't right

I'm under your spell, how else could it be
Anyone would notice me?
It's magic, I can tell, how you set me free
Brought me out so easily

I saw a world enchanted, spirits and charms in the air
I always took for granted I was the only one there
But your power shone brighter than any I've known

I'm under your spell, nothing I can do
You just took my soul with you
You worked your charm so well, finally, I knew
Everything I dreamed was true
You made me believe

The moon to the tide, I can feel you inside
I'm under your spell, surging like the sea
Wanting you so helplessly
I break with every swell, lost in ecstasy
Spread beneath my willow tree
You make me complete
You make me complete
You make me complete
You make me complete

I'll Never Tell — Xander & Anya

Anya
This is the man that I plan to entangle, isn't he fine?
My claim to fame was to maim and to mangle, vengeance was mine
But I'm out of the biz, the name I made, I'll trade for his
The only trouble is—I'll never tell

Xander
She is the one, she's such wonderful fun, such passion and grace
Warm in the night when I'm right in her tight — embrace. tight embrace
I'll never let her go, the love we've known can only grow
There's just one thing that—No. I'll never tell

Xander & Anya
Cause there's nothing to tell

Anya
He snores
Xander
She wheezes
Anya
Say "housework" and he freezes
Xander
She eats these skeezy cheeses that I can't describe
Anya
I talk; he breezes
Xander
She doesn't know what "please" is
Anya
His penis got diseases from a Chumash tribe
Xander & Anya
The vibe gets kind of scary
Xander
Like she thinks I'm ordinary
Anya
Like it's all just temporary
Xander
Like her toes are kind of hairy
Xander & Anya
But it's all very well
Cause, God knows, I'll never tell

Anya
When things get rough, he just hides behind his Buffy
Now look, he's getting huffy, 'cause he knows that I know

Xander
She clings, she's needy, she's also really greedy
She never—
Anya
His eyes are beady
Xander
This is my verse, hello?
She—
Anya
Look at me! I'm dancing crazy

Xander & Anya
You know
Xander
You're quite the charmer
Anya
My knight in armor
Xander
You're the cutest of the Scoobies, with your lips as red as rubies
And your firm, yet supple — tight embrace

Anya
He's swell
Xander
She's sweller
Anya
He'll always be my feller
Xander
That's why I'll never tell her that I'm petrified

Anya
I've read this tale, there's wedding, then betrayal
And I know there'll come the day I'll want to run and hide
Xander & Anya
I lied, I said it's easy, I've tried, but there's these fears I can't quell
Xander
Is she looking for a pot of gold?
Anya
Will I look good when I've gotten old?
Xander
Will our lives become too stressful if I'm never that successful?
Anya
When I get so worn and wrinkly that I look like David Brinkley?

Xander
Am I crazy?
Anya
Am I dreamin'?
Xander
Am I marrying a demon?
Xander & Anya
We can really raise the beam in making marriage a hell
So, thank God, I'll never tell!
I swear, that I'll never tell
Xander
My lips are sealed
Anya
I take the Fifth
Xander
Nothing to see, move it along
Xander & Anya
I'll never tell

The Parking Ticket - Ticket Lady solo

I've been having a bad bad day, come on won't you put that pad away?
I'm asking you, please, no, it isn't right, it isn't fair
There was no parking anywhere, I think that hydrant wasn't there
Why can't you let it go, I think I've paid more than my share
I'm just a poor girl don't you care, hey, I'm not wearing underwear

Rest in Peace — Spike solo

I died so many years ago
But you can make me feel like it isn't so
And why you come to be with me, I think I finally know
Mmmm

You're scared, ashamed of what you feel
And you can't tell the ones you love, you know they couldn't deal
Whisper in a dead man's ear, it doesn't make it real

That's great, but I don't want to play
'Cause being with you touches me more than I can say
And since I'm only dead to you, I'm saying stay away
And let me rest in peace

Let me rest in peace, let me get some sleep
Let me take my love and bury it in a hole six foot deep
I can lay my body down, but I can't find my sweet release
So let me rest in peace

You know, you've got a willing slave
And you just love to play the thought that you might misbehave
But 'til you do, I'm telling you, stop visiting my grave
And let me rest in peace

I know I should go, but I follow you like a man possessed
There's a traitor here beneath my breast
And it hurts me more than you've ever guessed
If my heart could beat, it would break my chest
But I can see you're unimpressed
So, leave me be

And let me rest in peace, let me get some sleep
Let me take my love and bury it in a hole six foot deep
I can lay my body down, but I can't find my sweet release
Let me rest in peace, why won't you let me rest in peace?

What You Feel — Sweet & Dawn

Sweet
Why'd you run away, don't you like my style?
Why don't you come and play, I guarantee a great big smile
I come from the imagination, and I'm here strictly by your invocation
So what do you say, why don't we dance awhile?

Sweet
I'm the heart of swing, I'm the twist and shout
When you gotta sing, when you gotta let it out
You call me and I come a-runnin'
I turn the music on, I bring the fun in
Now we're partying, that's what it's all about

Sweet
'Cause I know what you feel, girl
I know just what you feel, girl

Sweet
All these melodies, they go on too long
Then that energy starts to come on way too strong
All those hearts lay open, that must sting
Plus some customers just start combusting
That's the penalty when life is but a song

Sweet
You brought me down and doomed this town
So when we blow this scene
Back we will go to my kingdom below, and you will be my queen
'Cause I know what you feel, girl

Dawn
No, you see, you and me wouldn't be very regal
Sweet
I'll make it real, girl
Dawn
What I mean, I'm fifteen, so this queen thing's illegal
Sweet
I can bring whole cities to ruin, and still have time to get a soft-shoe in
Dawn
Well, that's great, but I'm late, and I'd hate to delay her
Sweet
Something's cooking, I'm at the griddle
I bought Nero his very first fiddle
Dawn
She'll get pissed if I'm missed, see, my sister's the Slayer
Sweet
Now we're partying, that's what it's all about

Standing — Giles solo

You're not ready for the world outside, you keep pretending, but you just can't hide
I know I said that I'd be standing by your side, but I
Your path's unbeaten, and it's all uphill, and you can meet it, but you never will
And I'm the reason that you're standing still, but I

I wish I could say the right words to lead you through this land
Wish I could play the father and take you by the hand
Wish I could stay, but now I understand
I'm standing in the way

The cries around you, you don't hear at all, 'cause you know I'm here to take that call
So you just lie there when you should be standing tall, but I

I wish I could lay your arms down and let you rest at last
Wish I could slay your demons, but now that time has passed
Wish I could stay, your stalwart, standing fast
But I'm standing in the way, I'm just standing in the way

Under Your Spell/Standing (reprise) — Tara & Giles

Tara
I'm under your spell, God, how can this be, playing with my memory
You know I've been through hell, Willow, don't you see?
There'll be nothing left of me, you made me believe
Giles
Believe me, I don't wanna go
Tara & Giles
And it'll grieve me, 'cause I love you so
But we both know

Giles
Wish I could say the right words to lead you through this land
Tara
Wish I could trust just that it was just this once, but I must do what I must
Giles
Wish I could play the father and take you by the hand
Tara
I can't adjust to this disgust, we're done, and I just
Tara & Giles
Wish I could stay, wish I could stay, wish I could stay
Wish I could stay

Walk Through the Fire — all Scoobies, Spike, & Sweet

Buffy
I touch the fire and it freezes me, I look into it and it's black
Why can't I feel, my skin should crack and peel, I want the fire back

Now through the smoke she calls to me, to make my way across the flame
To save the day, or maybe melt away, I guess it's all the same

So I will walk through the fire, 'cause where else can I turn?
I will walk through the fire, and let it

Spike
The torch I bear is scorching me, Buffy's laughing, I've no doubt
I hope she fries, I'm free if that bitch dies, I better help her out

Sweet
'Cause she is drawn to the fire, some people
Spike
She will
Spike & Sweet
Never learn
And she will walk through the fire, and let it

Giles
Will this do a thing to change her, am I leaving Dawn in danger?
Is my Slayer too far gone to care?
Xander
What if Buffy can't defeat it?
Anya
Beady Eyes is right, we're needed, or we could just sit around and glare
Giles, Xander, Willow, Anya, Tara
We'll see it through, it's what we're always here to do
So we will walk through the fire

Buffy
So one by one, they turn from me, I guess my friends can't face the cold
Tara
(What can't we face)
Buffy
But why I froze, not one among them knows
Tara
(If we're together?)
Buffy
And never can be told

Anya
She came from the grave much graver
Sweet
So one by one, they come to me
Spike
First, he'll kill her, then I'll save her
Sweet
The distant redness as their guide
Tara
Everything is turning out so dark
Buffy
(Going through the motions)
Spike
No, I'll save her, then I'll kill her
Sweet
That single flame
Buffy
(Walking through the part)
Sweet
Ain't what they had in mind
Willow
I think this line's mostly filler
Sweet
It's what they have inside
Giles
What's it going to take to strike a spark?
Buffy
These endless days are finally ending in a blaze
Sweet
She will come to me

Buffy, Willow, Xander, Tara, Anya, Giles, Spike
And we are caught in the fire, the point of no return
So we will walk through the fire, and let it burn
Let it burn, let it burn, let it burn

Something to Sing About — Buffy & Spike

Buffy
Life's a show, and we all play our parts
And when the music starts, we open up our hearts

It's all right if some things come out wrong
We'll sing a happy song, and you can sing along

Where there's life, there's hope; everyday's a gift
Wishes can come true, whistle while you work
So hard all day to be like other girls
To fit in in this glittering world
Don't give me songs, don't give me songs
Give me something to sing about
I need something to sing about

Life's a song you don't get to rehearse
And every single verse can make it that much worse
Still, my friends don't know why I ignore
The million things or more I should be dancing for

All the joy life sends, family and friends
All the twists and bends, knowing that it ends
Well, that depends on if they let you go
On if they know enough to know
That when you've bowed, you leave the crowd

There was no pain, no fear, no doubt
'Till they pulled me out of Heaven
So that's my refrain, I live in Hell
'Cause I've been expelled from Heaven
I think I was in Heaven

So, give me something to sing about
Please, give me something

Spike
Life's not a song, life isn't bliss, life is just this, it's living
You'll get along, the pain that you feel, you only can heal
By living, you have to go on living, so one of us is living

What You Feel (reprise) — Sweet solo

What a lot of fun, you guys have been real swell
And there's not a one who can say this ended well

All those secrets you've been concealing
Say you're happy now, once more with feeling
Now I gotta run, see you all in hell

Where Do We Go From Here? — all Scoobies, & Spike

Dawn
Where do we go from here?
Buffy & Spike
Where do we go from here?
Giles
The battle's done and we kind of won
Giles & Tara
So we sound our victory cheer
Where do we go from here?

Xander & Anya
Why is the path unclear when we know home is near?
Buffy, Willow, Xander, Tara, Anya, Dawn, Giles, Spike
Understand we'll go hand in hand, but we'll walk alone in fear
Giles
Tell me
Buffy, Willow, Xander, Tara, Anya, Dawn, Giles, Spike
Where do we go from here?

When does the end appear, when do the trumpets cheer?
The curtains close on a kiss, God knows, we can tell the end is near
Where do we go from here

Coda — Buffy & Spike

Buffy
I touch the fire and it freezes me
Spike
I died
Buffy
I look into it and it's black
Spike
So many years ago
Buffy
This isn't real
Spike
You can make me feel
Buffy
But I just want to feel

All
Where do we go from here?