Lucy Gray's "The Old Therebefore" (Arena Song) - Fan Cover | Songbirds and snakes ballads 

Ahhhh! It's finally here!! So excited for you to see this. I can't believe this is the last one :'( We worked really hard on this video and song, and I think it turned out really cool :). This song, Deep in the Meadow, and The Hanging Tree ARE ALL UP NOW! check out the Spotify playlist we made open.spotify.com/playlist/1PmHtBrnJ1LuO2XIGcTTJq?si=f57f44114fbe41dc You can also text MAIAH to 1-833-964-7474 to subscribe to my email/text list! :) I have a DISCORD CHANNEL NOW - discord.gg/Gy7uFWBHbu LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!

I like to think that this version was the one Lucy Gray learned back home, before the arena, and that the movie version is how it was translated through her fear and fatigue at the end of the games.

THE SNAKE WAS SO COOL YOU NEED TO PLAY LUCY GRAY IN THE MOVIE-

Maiah trying so hard to stay in character then smiling when the snake starts crawling up the guitar is so cute.

I know Suzanne Collins doesn't have much of a public online presence, but boy what I wouldn't give to watch a video of her reacting to all your Lucy Gray covers! I'm really excited for this one!

(La, la, la, la, La, la, la, la, la, la, La, la, la, la, la, la. . .) You're headed for heaven, The sweet old hereafter, And I've got one foot in the door. But before I can fly up, I've loose ends to tie up, Right here in The old therebefore. I'll be along When I've finished my song, When I've shut down the band, When I've played out my hand, When I've paid all my debts, When I have no regrets, Right here in The old therebefore, When nothing Is left anymore. I'll catch you up When I've emptied my cup, When I've worn out my friends, When I've burned out both ends, When I've cried all my tears, When I've conquered my fears, Right here in The old therebefore, When nothing Is left anymore. I'll bring the news When I've danced off my shoes, When my body's closed down, When my boat's run aground, When I've tallied the score, And I'm flat on the floor, Right here in The old therebefore, When nothing Is left anymore When I'm pure like a dove, When I've learned how to love, Right here in The old therebefore, When nothing Is left anymore. Hope it helped somebody

I just wanted to thank you for taking the responsibility of becoming our FIRST Lucy Gray Baird, maybe not the last one but deffinitelly very important. I found you because of these songs last year and right now I'm really sad this pretty chapter ended. Thank you very very much❣️❣️❣️❣️ and see you soon our percious songbird😢🐍❤️

I love the background showing old American ruins from the time before Panem.

THIS SONG WILL SAVE 2021.

you've done an excellent job with those songs, no one would have done them better than you. You have an indisputable quality

These songs were made for your voice!! Sid the snake was very cute.

This is my FAVORITE song from the book!! Can’t wait! 🐍❤️🔥

‼️spoilers for tbosas movie songs‼️ i JUST watched the tbosas movie at the cinema and this song was my favorite, arguably the best scene in the movie. i couldn't help but think it sounded just like this in a way, in my first time listening to the movie version. yours, however, will always be in me❤

You can tell how much Sid likes the sound/feeling of the guitar. So cute!

You’re so brave to have worked with the snake! She seems like a sweetheart, but I’m terrified of snakes. I was nervous the whole time😅 Love the song, and all of your other Lucy Gray songs❤️

Amazing scene!!! In arena

This part of the movie is going to be the coolest part of it all.

HAAAAA you have so much talent, I CAN'T WAIT!!!!🤩🐍

Thank you Maiah for bringing Lucy Gray to life

This is great and the fact that your versions of these songs might not be the ones used in the movie genuinely upsets me!! I hope you can be involved with the movie in some way though as maybe a part of the covey even if you don’t get to play Lucy

Dope I can't wait, I'll watch and listen with my heart and soul!!!

That is so awesome you used a real snake and it made you like them! They are such cute, sweet little creatures when people spend time with them. I think she loved your singing too! I just read the book and that's one of my favorite things about Lucy, her love of snakes. You really bring her to life.

Honestly didn't think you would return with more BOSAS. Excited to hear this one and so is my family!!!

you make the reading much better I love your voice

I love that Lucy Gray is so badass that instead of running away or trying to kill the mutant snakes or whatever they were, she stops them from killing her by singing a song.

OH MY GOODNESS! I AM SO EXCITED! Will 100% be watching the premiere if I can make it!! Love your songs Maiah!

Im coming here after the movie to hear your versions before the film came out! Love these!

This is EXACTLY how I imagined this song, and I’m so so so so so happy that it sounds so wonderful! ❤️

I’m so excited! I read the book twice and saw this song wasn’t made yet so I was waiting for it to be beautifully sung by you! 😁😁😁😁🥰🥰🥰🥰

I am just blown away. This was exactly how imagined it in the book. The tune is perfect and fits well with the words. You also resemble Lucy Gray so much that it feels like you are watching her sing. I really enjoy your songs from The Ballad Of Songbirds and Snakes. I finished the book today and am enjoying listening to all the songs from the book. Thank you so much.

The snek still freaks me out... but I don’t know which is more unsettling... the live snek or the twerk snek! 🐍

I’m reading this book for the first time and I’m so glad to have found these covers. Now every time I come across Lucy Gray singing one of her songs I immediately come here to listen to your version. You bring her to life so beautifully. Can’t wait to see what else you do.

Awesome! i love how you have managed to put your own spin on all of these songs and keep them true to the book. You are Lucy Gray in my eyes :) The snake is a cutie too! i dont know how you managed to stay composed :P

3:25 Lucy Gray's alternate ending in an unreleased edition of the book.

Part 2 -THE PRIZE CHAPTER 19-20 PAGES 297-305 In the center of the arena, Teslee and Circ squatted over a pile of rubble, poking around for who knew what. Apparently, they held no interest for Reaper, who sat high in the stands, his back to the arena wall, wrapped in his cape. Suddenly, Treech burst out of a tunnel and bore down on the District 3 tributes, who fled for the barricade. Murmurs of confusion came from the audience. Where was the "something special" promised by Dr. Gaul? They were answered by the sight of an oversized drone flying into the arena, transporting the rainbow snake tank. Coriolanus had all but convinced himself that the snake attack had been a product of an overheated imagination, but the entry of the tank ended that. His brain had assembled the puzzle pieces in exactly the right order. What he didn't know was how the snakes would resppond to being unleashed, but he'd been in the lab. Dr. Gaul did not breed lapdogs; she designed weapons. The unusual package caught Treech's attention. Perhaps he thought some extra-special gift had been earmarked for him, because he halted as the drone reached the middle of the arena. Teslee and Circ paused as well, and even Reaper rose to observe the delivery. The drone released the uncovered tank about ten yarda above the ground. Rather than shattering, the container bounced on impact. Then, like a flower opening iys petals, its walls fell to the ground. Snakes shot out in all directions, creating a multicolored sunburst in the dust. In the front row, Clemensia jumped to her feet and let out a bloodcurdling scream, almost causing Festus to fall out of his chair. As most people were only just registering the new development on the screen, her reaction seem extreme. Afraid that Clemensia would spill the whole story in her panic, Coriolanus leaped up and wrapped his arms around her from behind, not sure if the move was meant to be comforting or confining. Clemensia went rigid but silent. "They're not here. They're in the arena, " Coriolanus said in her ear. "You're safe. " But he continued to hold on to her as the action unfolded. Maybe Treech's lumber background had given him some familiarity with snakes. The second they erupted from the tank, he'd turned on his heel anf sprinted for the stands. He bounced up the debris hill like a goat and kept moving, hurdling over seats as he ascended. The few moments of connfusion that Teslee and Circ experienced came at a great cost. Teslee made it to one of the poles and managed to shinny up a few yards to safety, but Circ stumbled over a rusty, old spear, and the snakes overtook him. A dozen pairs of fangs pierced his body and then, as if satisfied, the snakes moved on. Pink, yellow, and blue streaked his body as the wounds pumped out bright pus. Smaller than Clemensia, with double the venom in his system, Circ struggled to breathe for about ten seconds before he died. Teslee stared at his fallen body and sobbed in teror as she clung to the pole. Below her, the delicate snakes bunched, rearing up and dancing around the base. Lucky's voice-over boomed above the scene. "What's happening?" "These are muttations we've developed in our labs at the Capitol," Dr. Gaul informed the audience. "They're only snakelets, but full-grown they'll easily outrun a human, and post will be no problem for them to climb. They're designed to hunt humans and reproduce rapidly so any casualties can be swiftly replaced." By this time, Treech had climbed out onto the narrow shelf over the scoreboard, and Reaper had found refuge on the roof of the press box. The few snakes that had managed to scale the rubble into the stands gathered below them. The mics picked up the muted sounds of a girl's scream. They got Lucy Gray, Coriolanus thought in despair. The handkerchief didn't work. But just then, mizzen exploded from the tunnel nearest the barricade, followed by the a shrieking Coral. A single snake dangled from her arm. She tore it free, but dozen charged for her the moment it hit the ground, targeting her lower legs. Mizzen flung away his trident and make a flying leap to gain the pole across from Teslee. Despite his bad knee, he halved his previous time climbing to the top. From there he witnessesd Coral's frantic, but blissfully short, end With the targets on the ground disposed of, most of the snakes regrouped under Teslee. Her grip on the pole began to fail, and she cried out to Mizzen for help, but he only shook his head, more stunned than malicious. People in the audience began shushing each other then, although Coriolanus did not know why. As the hall quieted, he picked up on what sharper ears had detected. Somewhere, ever so faintly, someone was singing in the arena. His girl. Lucy Gray emerged from her tunnel moving in slow motion, and backward. She lifted each foot with care as she stepped behind herself, swaying gently to the rhythm of her music. (START OF THE SONG) That was the extent of the lyrics at the moment, but it was compelling nonetheless. Following her, as if mesmerized by the melody, came half a dozen snakes. Coriolanus released Clemensia, who had calmed down, giving her a gentle push in Festus's direction. He stepped toward the screen, holding his breath as Lucy Gray continued to back in and then curved around toward where Jessup's body had lain. Her voice became louder as she, knowngly or not, worked her way back to the mic. Perhaps for one last song, one last performance. None of the snakes were inclined to attack her, though. In fact, she seemed to be drawing them from around the arena. The bunch under Teslee's pole thinned, a few dropped form the stands, and dozens slithered out of the tunnels to join in a general migration to Lucy Gray. They surrounded her, flocking in from all sides, making it impossible for her to continue retreating. The bright bodies undulated over her bare feet, curling around he ankles as she lowered herself gently onto a chunk of marble. With the tips of her fingers, she spread her ruffles out in the dust, as if by way of invitation. As the snakes swarmed her, the faded fabric vanished, leaving her with a brilliant skirt of waeving reptiles. Coriolanus squeezed his hands into fists, unsure if the 'vipers' intentions. The snakes in the tank, having been exposed to his scent on the proposal, had entirely ignored him. But these seemed magnetically drawn to his tribute. Could it be that the environment made the difference? Violently released from the warm, close quarters of their tank into the vast, unsheltered arena, were they seeking her out as the only familiar scent they could find? Had they gravitated to her to harbor in the safety of he skirt? Lucy Gray knew nothing of this, because the day in the zoo when he'd meant to tell her about Clemensia and the snakes, her circumstances had been so much worst than his own that he'd kept silent on the subject. Even if he had told her, it would be a real leap of faith in his abilities to imagine he'd found a way to tamper with the snakes in the Games. What did she think was keppeing them in check? It had to be her singing. Had she sung to the snakes at home? "That snake was particular friend of mine, " she told the little girl in the zoo. Perhaps she'd befriended several snakes back in District 12. Perharps she thought if she stopped singing, they would never want to go out without a finale. She would want to die with her boots on, in the brightest spotlight she could find. Whe Lucy Gray began the lyrics, her voice was soft but clear as bell. An old song, Coriolanus thought. With talk of the hereafter, which reminded him of Sejanus and his bread crumbs, but also that funny line about the therebefore. That must mean the present. Here. Now. While she was still alive. The Gamemakers cut to a longer shot, which made Coriolanus want to shout an objection until he realizes why. Every snake in the arena appeared to have fallen subject to he siren's song and flock to her. Even those in the nest under Teslee, who was ready to prey, had abandoned their target and made for Lucy Gray. Still shuddering from trauma, Teslee slid shakily to the ground and hobbled over to a chain-link fence on one section of the barricade. She climed her way to a safe height while the song continued. The camera made its way back to tight shot of Lucy Gray. Coriolanus had the feeling that she usually catered to an audience well plied with liquor. In the days before her interview, he'd listened to many number that conjured up a drunken group waving tin cups of gin from side to side in some dive bar. Although the liquor didn't seem essential, because when he took a quick look over his shoulder, he saw that several people in the Heavensbee Hall begun to sway to jer rhythm. Her voice rose in volume, echoing around the arena... ...and then reaching a crescendo as she brought it home. The last note hung in the air while the audience held its collective breath. The snakes waited for it to fade, and then- or was it his imagination? - began to stir. Lucy Gray responded by softly humming, as if to a restless baby. The viewers quietly relaxed as the snakes relaxed around her. Lucky looked as spellbound as the snakes when the cameras cut back to him, eyes a bit glazes, mouth slacky open. He snapped backed when he saw his own image on the feed, and turned his attention to a stone-face Dr. Gaul. "Well, Head Gamemaker, take... a... bow! " Heavensbee Hall erupted into a standing ovation, but Coriolanus could not peel his eyes off Dr. Gaul. What was going on behind that inscrutable expression? Did she attribute the snakes' behavior to Lucy Gray's singing or did ahe suspect foul play? Even if Dr. Gaul knew about the handkerchief, perhaps she would forgive him, as the result had been so dramatic.

you will be always our first lucy

That cover is AMAZING! (And I am sure the song will be as well!)

That voice hypnotizes me just like it does snakes

Maiah was born to play Lucy Gray Baird, just like Jennifer Lawrence was born to play Katniss.

So happy to finally listen to these since I found your channel after these were taken down❤️

Whenever I listen to your versions of these songs I swear I get instantly teletransportated inside the book, you're a genious 💖

I'm late dang it. But it's so beautiful 😭😭😭😍😍😍😍 And I want that snek too❤❤💖💖💖

AHHHH! IM SO HYPED!

Ahhh girl you’re so talented!! That snake freaked me out though, you’re braveee😂

I think, no, I know this is my Favorite song, ever!!! what how?! this is so beautiful!! your toon, AAAAAAAAAA!! it's so bittersweet and soo comforting!! It makes me want to laugh and cry and sing and dance and go to sleep all at the same time. I do cross country (which I was really scared of) so after my last race these lines really stuck out to me "When I've paid all my debts, When I have no regrets", "When I've worn out my friends, When I've burned out both ends. "When I've cried all my tears, When I've conquered my fears," and "When I've tallied the score, And I'm flat on the floor" I really relate to that last part because after ever race I fall flat on the flour (ground). But I'm glad I did it "When I've cried all my tears, When I've conquered my fears,". Thank you for this amazing work of art!! also love the rest of your songs!! I signed the petition to get your songs back, I'm so glad you did!! keep singing your song!! and also the new movie should pay you to use your melodys!!

Thank you so much for bring the book to life! The details and dedication are amazing. 100/10

Oh my gosh! I love your videos! I’m think you are the perfect Lucy Gray! I have learned all of your Lucy Gray songs! Though I am sad this is your last Lucy Gray song!

So excited!!!!

Thank you so much for all songs from the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes! Keep the way you are.

Go Sid🐍😍❤

omg the video effects to make it look like you were in the arena,,,, i love this so much

Thank you so much, you were the best voice for Lucy Gray Bird! We love you, and now I'm a fan of yours! I'll be always coming back to see your next songs and projects! 💛🎼💖

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH THANK YOU 💗

I first found you via Lucy Grey songs a few months ago, stayed and subscribed for the incredible talent! Still not disappointed!

I've waiting so long for this and I cant believe it's nearly here!! I'm so excited!! 😀❤

Ok, I’ve seen the movie, and listen to the songs on a regular basis, but tell me why I love your versions from before the movie more, they are actually better😭♥️

Thank you for all of your effort in these songs, they helped me a lot to understand Lucy Gray's feelings and made me enjoy the book even more. Greetings from a Mexican fan who can't stop listening to your music! 🇲🇽💖

I love your performance of songs from 'The ballad of songbirds and snakes'! You gave life to what Suzanne wrote. I love you Maiah and I'm looking forward to the new songs! Kisses from Poland 😘

I know I'm late, but I've been listening to the audiobook and having the hardest time 'hearing' any of the songs from the flat lyrics being read. Thank you for making this read a much more enjoyable time and letting me see Lucy Gray like the songbird the other characters do! (Also ty snake friend :) )

Omg I love them all!! You are so creative and talented thank you for being the perfect Lucy Gray for the fandom. 💕

Oh my there is a real snake right there! oh kudos to the effort.

Loved the snek. I didn't know how cool and cuddly snake could be either until my friend got one. I almost want one except I don't have the stomach to feed them lol

Consideration is the cutest 🥺and your rendition of the song is lovely omg

Omg, You are really really awesome. I am reading the last part of the book and I am sooo happy I know you and your songs. Thank you Maiah Wynne, for making us feel Lucy Gray. 💚

Oh my God Maiah you are so talented, I am really happy that you have that endurance to made that arrangments. We love you.

you are gonna loos so beautiful, i cant wait!

Yes!!!! I've been waiting for this one!!! 🥳🐍🕊️

This is definitely my new favorite ballad of songbirds and snakes song!!🐍💗 It must have been so fun to film with the snake!!!

Ahhh, it was so good!! Your voice was so smooth and soothing. I can’t wait until it’s released for download :)

I'm so excited!!! I really hope I can make it to the premiere!

I love how you put the effort to actually re-create the exact scenes as mentioned in the book. It's beautiful!

your music moves me and i smiled without realizing when you smiled in the video. oh my god you've got smth like no other and the world is gonna know it

can’t wait maiah! excited to hear 😁❤️

Here before the Premiere! Im so Happy and sad and the same time :( i know this is the last lucy gray song but can you do Madues songs to ?

even after the years that have past, still one of my most favoured song sets. all your songbirb songs are wonderful.

Aww what a bittersweet ending to your Lucy Gray songs! I remember being so sad after finishing TBOSAS and being delighted to find your versions of 'The Ballad of Lucy Gray' and 'The Valley Song'. Thank you for bringing these lyrics to life and I can't wait for future projects

That snake was so cute😊 I don't know how I'm gonna watch a movie if you don't play Lucy Gray

sooooo excited to see what you do with this one 🥰🤲

I'd just like to say that I found your videos last summer after reading the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and was completely blown away by the talent you posses! I'm so very sad that this is your last Lucy Gray video, and I really, really hope that you get to play her in the movie because you would just be absolutely perfect for the role. Keep up the amazing work!!! ❤️❤️🥰

WOW! You’re so brave to have that snake slither on you. I’d never be able to do that XD.

I loved this so so much!!! Its such a beautiful arrangement and the setting/greenscreen created the perfect backdrop of the arena, sid and your snake costume is adorable 😂😂 I'm so glad I found you through these videos and I can't wait for your future music!! ❤❤

You always take my heart by your voice 😍😍

I'm so excited this is my favorite song

OMG I can't wait

ahhh this is so good! sid is so cute i can’t. (btw that costume is everything bahaha)

This song is so wonderful! I have Chills.

Literally reading this scene right now. Had to score it with your music

A session which we want Early and Long We are waiting curiously For that Song 😎

I didn't notice the background up until the end. Maybe I was too lost in the song, but my, it's the arena!

Waaaah I can't wait this long I'm excited 😄♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Oh Maiah, this is so much better than the movie version. I always listen to it twice, because I can never get enough of it!

Absulutely loved it-- you did an awsome job!! The snake was adorable ❤️❤️

This one is so beutifal. Nice work

You'd be a good lucy gray! You already have fans right here. XD

Fianally! So excited for it.

this girl needs to be in the next hunger games sequel as lucy gray baird bc she is the part !!!!!!!

Yes!! Iove your songs and those are so awesome!! Love it 😍 You are so talented

These have been absolutely perfect! Thank you for sharing this piece of your soul. And you were right, the snake one was on point🙌! Definitely a fan now and excited for what you do next!

I'm super exciteddddd!!!

OMG!!so excited!!!