Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Sting's rendition of 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' paints a vivid picture of a desolate and sorrowful place where dreams go to die. The song's lyrics describe a street filled with the remnants of shattered aspirations and unfulfilled desires. The 'boulevard of broken dreams' serves as a metaphor for the emotional and psychological state of those who have faced significant disappointments in life. The imagery of 'gigolo and gigolette'—figures who engage in fleeting, regret-free kisses—highlights the transient and superficial nature of the joy found in this place. These characters symbolize people who seek temporary solace in ephemeral pleasures, only to be reminded of their deeper, unresolved sorrows.

The song delves into the cyclical nature of fleeting happiness and enduring sorrow. The line 'You laugh tonight and cry tomorrow' encapsulates the inevitable return to reality after moments of borrowed joy. The recurring theme of waking up with 'eyes... wet with tears' underscores the persistent presence of grief and regret. The boulevard becomes a haunting space where individuals are trapped in a loop of temporary escapism and subsequent despair. The mention of leaving one's soul 'in an old cathedral town' suggests a longing for a purer, more innocent past, contrasting sharply with the hollow existence on the boulevard.

Sting's melancholic tone and the repetitive structure of the lyrics emphasize the inescapable nature of this sorrowful journey. The song suggests that while one can find temporary distractions, true contentment remains elusive. The 'joy that you find here you borrow' implies that any happiness experienced is not genuine or lasting. The boulevard, therefore, becomes a symbol of the human condition—where dreams are often broken, and true fulfillment is hard to attain. This haunting portrayal invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and the transient nature of happiness.