Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
American Idiot Cast Lyrics
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The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes,
But it's home to me and I walk alone
I walk this empty street
On the boulevard of broken dreams
Where the city sleeps
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a-
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, aah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone
Read between the lines
Of what's fucked up and everything's alright
Check my vital signs
To know I'm still alive and I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a-
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, aah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah
I walk alone
I walk a-
I walk this empty street
On the boulevard of broken dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a-
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone
The song ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ by American Idiot Cast tells the story of a lonely and isolated individual walking down a lonely road where the only comfort is the shadow that walks beside him. He feels as if he is the only one in the world, and the city sleeps. However, this lonely boulevard is home to him, and he continues to walk alone. He feels lost and is on the border line of the edge, not knowing where he is going. He wishes for someone to find him, but until then, he walks alone. As the song progresses, he realizes that his shadow is the only thing that walks beside him, and his shallow heart is the only thing beating. He hopes for something or someone to come along and change his situation, but for now, he walks alone.
Line by Line Meaning
I walk a lonely road
I am traveling along a path that appears to be vacant and desolate.
The only one that I have ever known
This is the solitary route that I am familiar with and have always taken.
Don't know where it goes,
I am unaware of the direction this path will take me,
But it's home to me and I walk alone
Despite being alone, this pathway is comforting and familiar to me.
I walk this empty street
I am moving along an isolated, barren route.
On the boulevard of broken dreams
I find myself on a path full of shattered hopes and lost aspirations.
Where the city sleeps
As night falls, the urban environment slumbers.
And I'm the only one and I walk alone
I am the sole traveler on this desolate route and am without companionship.
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
The only sense of company I have is my shadow, which walks alongside me.
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
I am emotionally depleted and have little vitality.
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
I occasionally yearn for others to discover me on this lonely path.
'Til then I walk alone
Until such a time, I remain alone on my journey.
I'm walking down the line
I progress along the path of my life, facing whatever fate delivers.
That divides me somewhere in my mind
A dichotomy exists within me, separating me from clarity of thought and direction.
On the border line
I exist in a state of limbo between two distinct places or mental states.
Of the edge and where I walk alone
This location represents my isolated and lonely existence and existence on the brink of change.
Read between the lines
Understand the true meaning of what is being communicated, beyond its surface value.
Of what's fucked up and everything's alright
Despite the chaos and confusion, things appear to be acceptable on the surface.
Check my vital signs
Ensure that I am still alive and capable of moving forward.
To know I'm still alive and I walk alone
I make this journey on my own, and must be certain of my vitality and tenacity to continue.
I walk this empty street
I navigate through an abandoned and depressing environment.
On the boulevard of broken dreams
Here on this path are people's unfulfilled hopes and dreams.
Where the city sleeps
The urban scenery is deserted as darkness claims this part of town.
And I'm the only one and I walk a-
This path has only me, and I continue my journey alone, unaccompanied.
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, aah-ah
This vocal progression serves as a musical diversion for the listener.
I walk alone
I am the sole traveler, without company.
I walk a-
My journey continues forward.
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
The only thing that moves with me is my shadow.
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
My heart is empty and lacks a passionate or profound fervor.
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
I yearn for a partner or ally to join me on this lonely journey.
'Til then I walk alone
Until that time comes, I shall continue to make this journey by myself.
Contributed by Isabella V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
theJuicmanisbak
I personally think this version is much better produced and that the guy is a better singer in my opinion. Also, the harmony near the end is just enough to give it that killer edge that will have someone put the song on repeat.
Covers by Kilian
from 3:45 onwards an amazing song (that has been made even more amazing) becomes SOMETHING SUPERNATURAL. it sends shivers down my spine. when you fully understand songs from American Idiot, listening to the cast recording is an incredible experience. I will never look at BOBD the same way again. The ending is absolutely sublime and fantastic. I can't get enough of it. I HAVE TO SEE IT LIVE
Covers by Kilian
from 3:45 onwards an amazing song (that has been made even more amazing) becomes SOMETHING SUPERNATURAL. it sends shivers down my spine. when you fully understand songs from American Idiot, listening to the cast recording is an incredible experience. I will never look at BOBD the same way again. The ending is absolutely sublime and fantastic. I can't get enough of it. I HAVE TO SEE IT LIVE
Christan Culver
this particular version of this song is better and this version gives me chills down my spine everytime i hear it
Sophia Braceras
The harmonizing toward the end gets to me Everytime.
Kody Greer
This song is perfect. The harmonies on the last verse are amazing. The vocals themselves are mind blowing
MollerSkates150
Mmmh the female vocals on the last verse? I wanted this version specifically for that. So chill and beautiful; I love this song.
HammGaming
Oh come on, all the harmonies in the musical are beautiful.
Alyssa
The "City of the Damned" part at the end is just. So fucking good
Ethan Friedman
This version is great. I don't think that it is quite as good as the original, but i love the harmonies