But this version sounds MUCH less powerful:
Haven't the foggiest why.
It just does.
It's in the performance of the singer. Her delivery is less self-confident/forward, implying powerful emotions (danger), than the first singer's. The smile she keeps on her face (her singing technique) is actually a poor performance choice for this song -- which has serious thematic undertones. (A simple smile on the singer's face can make a huge difference in terms of performance -- but in this case the wrong difference.)
That piece of music gets shortened and repeated in the end title:
But that one second around 3:49 is ever so slightly different in such an exact way that it never fails to send shivers down my spine.
Especially when listening on headphones.
Yep, this is a common musical variation used to heighten the emotional impact.
I'm not sure what the technical naming for it is but in effect I believe raises the height of the note and the intensity of the delivery by a notch, giving you the feeling that "this time it matters more, hits emotionally stronger". It has its roots in how people (and animals) express danger/alarm, borrowing from it.
It's best to just accept it. Not to grieve over what has never existed in the first place -- what was a lie to begin with.
Human beings have the potential for good (the balance) in them, yes, and we could make life wonderful for all living beings and live in peace and harmony with our sorroundings (for the most part). But, in practice, that's not what most people choose to do. People are flawed. Our society is
terribly flawed, but it still manages to maintain a semblance of peace and order. (It could be and
has been much-much worse throughout human history.)
The greatest deception/lie I was told/implied growing up is that all (or most) adults are somehow inherently wise and responsible. Most adults actually act with about the same level of maturity as children, and many act worse (more imbalanced).
So am I to continue believing this lie I was given and dig my head into the sand, grieving, or am I to wipe the mental slate clean and start perceiving/observing/studying reality for what it really is, focusing on my environment in the present, in my immediate life that's happening and passing me by right this moment?
That's a personal choice we have to make for ourselves. Buddhist monks would tell you to put all expectations aside and embrace the present moment, life, for all it's worth. The simplest of moments are actually some of the most significant in our lives, worth more than anything you could ever put in words.
Breathing! Something we take entirely for granted. We have no idea just how pleasant a feeling/experience and how wonderful this one simple act in life can be. That is until we experience what it means to be without it.