I Dreamed a Dream

The song 'I Dreamed a Dream' from the musical 'Les Misérables' is a poignant ballad that captures the essence of despair and the loss of innocence. Sung by the character Fantine, the lyrics reflect her past optimism and the harsh reality she faces after a series of tragic events. The song begins with a nostalgic recollection of a time when the world seemed kinder and full of possibilities. Fantine reminisces about a time when love was pure and life was full of excitement and potential.

As the song progresses, Fantine reveals the depth of her sorrow. The 'tigers' that come at night symbolize the destructive forces that have shattered her dreams and hopes. The soft voices of the tigers are a stark contrast to the devastation they bring, tearing apart her hope and leaving her with shame. The metaphor of the seasons changing from summer to autumn parallels her own transition from joy to sorrow, as the man who once brought her happiness leaves her alone.

The final verses of 'I Dreamed a Dream' are a lament for the life Fantine once envisioned for herself—a life that is now unrecognizable in the face of her current suffering. The dream she once held so dear has been extinguished by the cruel realities of her life. The song is a powerful expression of the pain of realizing that some dreams are unattainable, and some hardships are insurmountable. It's a universal theme that resonates with anyone who has experienced the loss of a cherished dream.