J'avais Rêvé

The song 'J'avais Rêvé' from the musical 'Les Misérables' is a poignant reflection on lost dreams and the harsh realities of life. The lyrics express a deep sense of disillusionment and the pain of having one's youthful hopes and aspirations crushed. The character singing this song is lamenting the loss of the innocence and freedom that they once dreamed of, and the betrayal by someone they trusted.

The song begins with a plea to a higher power, questioning why they have been allowed to fall further into despair. The singer had dreamed of a love so vast that it could encompass their own heart and share in happiness. This dream of love and a better life is a common theme in 'Les Misérables,' which explores the struggles of its characters against the backdrop of political upheaval and social injustice in 19th-century France. The singer's dreams of joy, love, and freedom are contrasted with the reality of being preyed upon by the 'wolves' of the world, a metaphor for the predatory and cruel aspects of society.

As the song progresses, the singer recounts how they were taken advantage of by someone who 'stole their childhood.' This person warmed their life with their presence but eventually left, leaving behind a trail of broken dreams. The recurring dreams of this person, filled with regret, fade away with the dawn, much like the fleeting joy of a festival night. The song ends with a somber realization that life has killed the dreams that were once so vividly imagined, underscoring the tragic theme of the musical as a whole.