New Ways To Dream
Glenn Close & Alan Campbell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We were so young movies were born
So many songs yet to be sung
So many roads still unexplored
We gave the world new ways to dream
Somehow we found new ways to dream
Joan of Arc: Look at my face
Up on the screen where I belong
We'll show them all nothing has changed
We'll give the world new ways to dream
Everyone needs new ways to dream
I didn't argue, why hurt her?
You don't yell at a sleepwalker
Or she could fall and break her neck
She smelled of faded roses
It made me sad to watch her
As she relived her glory poor Norma
So happy lost in her silver heaven
Nothing has changed we'll give the world
New ways to dream everyone needs
New ways to dream
The lyrics to Glenn Close and Alan Campbell's song "New Ways to Dream" reflect on the power and impact of the film industry, as well as the enduring importance of dreams and imagination. The opening lines set the scene at dawn, representing a new beginning and a time where there were no rules in the world of movies. The lyrics suggest that during this time, they were young and full of potential, with so many songs yet to be sung and roads unexplored.
The next verse focuses on Joan of Arc, a historical figure brought to life on the screen. Her soliloquy captures the essence of her iconic image, her strength, and her belonging in the darkness of the cinema. It emphasizes the idea that through film, they can show the world that nothing has changed, and they can provide new ways for people to dream.
The final verse introduces the character of Norma, who seems to be lost in her own world of faded glory. The singer observes her with a sense of sadness as she relives her past successes. The lyrics imply that even in her deterioration, she still finds happiness in her silver heaven, highlighting the enduring power of dreams.
Overall, the song "New Ways to Dream" celebrates the impact of the film industry in allowing people to escape reality and discover new worlds through the magic of cinema. It emphasizes the importance of dreams and the necessity of continuously finding new ways to dream.
Line by Line Meaning
This was dawn there were no rules
At the beginning of our journey, there were no limitations or restrictions
We were so young movies were born
We were youthful and full of creativity, and our work contributed to the birth of cinema
So many songs yet to be sung
There were numerous stories and emotions left to be expressed through our music
So many roads still unexplored
There were countless uncharted paths and possibilities waiting to be discovered
We gave the world new ways to dream
Through our artistry, we provided unique and innovative ways for people to escape and imagine
Somehow we found new ways to dream
Despite challenges and setbacks, we managed to discover fresh avenues for dreaming and creating
Joan of Arc: Look at my face
The character of Joan of Arc asks for attention and recognition
Isn't it strong? There in the dark
Her resilience and determination are apparent even in difficult situations
Up on the screen where I belong
She feels a sense of belonging and purpose when her story is depicted on the screen
We'll show them all nothing has changed
We will demonstrate that despite the passage of time, the essence of our artistry remains impactful
We'll give the world new ways to dream
We will provide fresh and imaginative experiences to inspire the world's imagination
Everyone needs new ways to dream
Every individual requires novel and imaginative outlets to escape and dream
I didn't argue, why hurt her?
I chose not to engage in argument, as it would only cause her pain
You don't yell at a sleepwalker
One should not confront or disturb someone who is lost in their own world or delusions
Or she could fall and break her neck
Interfering with her state of mind might lead to severe consequences
She smelled of faded roses
Her scent evoked memories of past glory and beauty, now diminished
It made me sad to watch her
Observing her decline filled me with sorrow
As she relived her glory poor Norma
She nostalgically revisited her moments of fame, highlighting her vulnerability
So happy lost in her silver heaven
Despite her current circumstances, she found solace and joy in her memories of stardom
Nothing has changed we'll give the world
Despite the passage of time, our commitment to providing innovative experiences remains unchanged
New ways to dream everyone needs
We understand the universal human need for fresh and imaginative ways to escape and dream
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chaksheba
That was the year I took a trip to NY with my dad. Had tickets for Sunset Blvd. It was so magical! A performance of a lifetime!
@brianeduardo1234
Ms Close transcends the material and elevates it ... I love the way the madness is bubbling away all the time
@avesraggiana
Wow, wow, wow...this is how I remember this scene when I saw Close perform in Los Angeles and New York. The way she’d descend the staircase - gliding, regal, queenly, and then a little later, climbing them - broken, pathetic, yet defiant. Just masterful.
Her miming of Joan of Arc drew laughs at one of her performances, unintentionally of course, but even so her spell over the audience thickened and in the end, we found ourselves rooting for her improbable return.
@Shelver92
Saw this on Broadway on Dec 21, 1994. A great show from start to finish.
@panospinx
love Glenn Close with all my heart
@lemaxmas
Thanks for this great upload Moonfall!
I'm not a big fan of Ms. Close, but this was undeniably a wonderful moment among many that I've seen of her in this role as shown on YT. Very moving, sad.
I really enjoy seeing how each actress that played the role, drew out something different that was true for their talents, skills and inclinations and all for the most part each artist's take worked so well for each, which inspires me as a viewer to see all that could be captured from this great character, Norma Desmond.
This is imho a classic role in Musical theater, it's like watching clips of various great actors playing Hamlet, or actresses who played Lady MacBeth, Juliet or Desdemona.
Thanks again!
@peterlloyd1246
So touching
@kirstyfairley1585
Glen Close is definately incredible in this role, the only other person I've seen who comes close to being as good as Glen Close in the role was when I saw Ria Jones as Norma Desmond in the UK tour last month.
@zephyr755
Ria Jones was a revelation. I saw her in Wimbledon last week. I wish they would cast her in the film, but it will probably be Glenn Close.
@stephanietorres2279
Hay me encanta como se va con la compañía de la melodía es linda la canción.