Susan Boyle – that Dream, that Hope
By now Susan Boyle must be a household name, not just in Britain but all over the world. She became an overnight sensation with her rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” in Britain’s Got Talent. Her song is taken from the musical Les Misérables. For those who are not familiar with the play, “I Dreamed a Dream” is sung by Fantine during Act I. Fantine is alone, unemployed and poor.
Susan Boyle. I’m in awe and misty-eyed every time I revisit YouTube to watch her performance. More for personal reasons really.
To millions of people especially during these difficult times Susan Boyle represents hope. And her victory is one of hope.
Even before Susan Boyle became famous with her rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream,” I’ve loved Hugo‘s Les Miserables. The musical adaptation is even more meaningful, again, for personal reasons.
I wonder if Susan is in the habit of humming to herself, aside from singing, if only to make her feel content. For people passionate about music, the melody itself is enough to make one feel good, especially when one is most alone.
Having hope is having that lovely melody within us. Here’s the lyrics of that haunting “I Dreamed a Dream.”
“I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high,
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving.
When dreams were made and used,
And wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung,
No wine untasted.
But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hopes apart
As they turn your dreams to shame.
And still I dream he’ll come to me
And we will live our lives together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms
We cannot weather…
I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I’m living
So different now from what it seems
Now life has killed
The dream I dreamed.”
(Note: Thanks a lot, I greatly appreciate emails I’ve received from friends. This is one instance in which focus is the singer and not necessarily the song. Another scenario is that the song has been significant to a listener somewhere in time. Still, the singer, Susan Boyle, is much connected with the song and it’s what happens to the active listener when Susan Boyle sings it. First, she demonstrates to us the power of hope; second, she gives us joy through her incredible voice; and lastly, she transforms that encouraging joy back into our dreams and hope.)
Related Links:
Susan Boyle at youtube – Apology, embedding has been disabled by request. Here’s the link - Susan Boyle BGT 2009 Episode 1 – Saturday 11th April. Latest update to this note: March 13, 2012.
Photo Credit: Susan Boyle Image by Kat McGee.
I find those lyrics rather sad because in the end it says there are dreams that can never be and life can be hellish. Susan Boyle has proved that dreams do come true if you never give up trying.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Ruth. I always enjoy them.
That’s lovely, Tel. True, the song hasn’t a lot to do with Susan Boyle herself, but she’s a wonder when she sings it.
That’s right, Dais.
Many people in the UK equated the song with the singer when the impact of her performance was so powerful and emotive. I feel it is a song of hope, of what could be. And although those last two lines might imply a moment’s despair, at that moment, there was still reference to the hope that had gone before and the hope that might still be of what’s to come. In Susan’s instance, she has escaped the life before as her life will now be transformed forever. A lovely blog Tel, really enjoyed it.
Hi Carole,
Delighted to hear from you as always. Perhaps like many of the Brits, my initial reaction was also to weave the singer with the song. I have to admit, it’s the last two lines that stirred my heart to bits of restlessness.
I love what you said, “… hope that had gone before and hope… for what’s to come.” Yes.
Best thoughts to Oliver & Gramma.
Another example: my eldest daughter who has spent her life caring for the disabled and elderly and who never expected to find love. She has been with someone now for a year but always has kept a lid on her ‘hope’ despite me knowing what she longs for most … a loving relationship and someone to have children with. His birthday present for her … an engagement ring. I am so HAPPY for them and so glad she didn’t give up hope. She deserves a little happiness. This song could have been written for her.
Hi Carole, I’m deeply touched reading your daughter’s experience. Thanks for sharing it. She deserves the best and all things good. May her blessings continue…
What a lovely posting, Tel. I’m very proud of Susan Boyle but also worried about her too. I hope the programme makers will look after her as she is not used to the limelight. She’s been a victim of bullying in the past and I just pray everyone is kind to her from now on.
I knew I’d be hearing from you, thanks Liz. I feel the same way too and we can only wish the best for her.
What a voice! C’est magnifique how Susan Boyle contained the depth of the melody with care until her very last notes faded… the dream I dreamed. Made me want her to sing more. Perhaps, “Send in the Clowns?”
Susan Boyle certainly is inspirational – she proves that no matter what age and what you look like you can achieve your dreams. What I do find unfortunate is that almost every town and city in Central Scotland including my town East Kilbride are claiming some part of Boyle’s long journey. Someone should have given her a chance before this point, but I guess that is how this industry works!
Hi Brianna,
I’m honoured to find you here – another brilliant Scottish singer. You folks just rock.
You’re right and I couldn’t agree any better. Suddenly everybody wants to own Susan Boyle. I pray she’ll be treated kindly by the media. She has undergone heaps of challenges already.
Any upcoming opera concert, Brianna? I owe you an email.
da best. Keep it going! Thank you