I Dreamed A Dream

The song 'I Dreamed A Dream,' performed by the cast of Glee, is a poignant reflection on lost dreams and the harsh realities of life. Originally from the musical Les Misérables, the song is sung by the character Fantine, who reminisces about a time when she was filled with hope and dreams for a better future. The lyrics convey a deep sense of nostalgia and regret, as the singer recalls a period when life seemed full of promise and possibilities.

The song begins with a wistful recollection of a time when 'hopes were high and life worth living.' The dream of eternal love and divine forgiveness symbolizes the idealistic and naive aspirations of youth. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that these dreams have been shattered by the harshness of reality. The metaphor of 'tigers' coming at night with 'voices soft as thunder' represents the unforeseen challenges and adversities that have torn apart the singer's hopes and turned dreams into shame.

The latter part of the song delves into the profound disappointment and disillusionment that comes with unfulfilled dreams. The singer laments that the life she envisioned is starkly different from the 'hell' she is currently enduring. The final lines, 'Now life has killed the dream I dreamed,' encapsulate the crushing realization that some dreams are unattainable, and the harshness of life can extinguish even the most fervent hopes. This song resonates deeply with anyone who has faced the gap between their dreams and reality, making it a timeless and universal expression of human experience.