"Every Story is a Love Story" is the opening and closing song of Elton John and Tim Rice musical, Aida.
Sung by Amneris, an Egyptian Pharaoh, her statue in a museum exhibit came to life after a man and woman touring the exhibit set their eyes on another. Amneris explained to the audience that the story to be told that night will be a love story, and she transported them thousands of years in the past to the time when Ancient Egypt ruled the Nile.
In the reprise, Amneris returned the audience to the present day, and opening scene, stating that due to the deaths of her loved ones, she resolved to be a good queen, ending the war with Nubia and ushering in an era of peace. As she did so she felt both Radames and Aida's presence guide her. Her tale complete, the man and woman, revealed to be reincarnations of Aida and Radames, were drawn to each other.
Lyrics[]
Every story, tale or memoir
Every saga or romance
Whether true or fabricated
Whether planned or happenstance
Whether sweeping through the ages
Casting centuries aside
Or a hurried brief recital
Just a thirty-minute ride
Whether bright or melancholy
Rough and ready, finely spun
Whether with a thousand players
Or a lonely cast of one
Every story, new or ancient
Bagatelle or work of art
All are tales of human failing
All are tales of love at heart
This is the story of a love that flourished in a time of hate
Of lovers no tyranny could separate
Love set into motion on the Nile's shore
Destiny ignited by an act of war
Egypt saw the mighty river
As its very heart and soul
Source of life for all her people
That only Egypt could control
Destruction of her southern neighbor justified
Nubia exploited, left with little more than pride
Ohhh...
From deep within the tomb
A gentle light still shone
Showing me my path
As I ascended to the throne
Certain in my heart
That ancient wars must cease
The lovers' death gave birth
To a reign of peace
And their story, and my journey
And the lesson they provide
Draw their strength and inspiration
From a love that never died