Alton Glenn Miller (March 1, 1904–presumably December 15, 1944), was an Ame… Read Full Bio ↴Alton Glenn Miller (March 1, 1904–presumably December 15, 1944), was an American jazz musician, arranger, composer, and band leader in the swing era. He was one of the best-selling recording artists from 1939 to 1942, leading one of the best known "Big Bands". Miller's signature recordings include: "In the Mood", "Tuxedo Junction", "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "Moonlight Serenade", "Little Brown Jug", and "Pennsylvania 6-5000". He's notable as well for playing numerous times for the U.S. military. While travelling to entertain U.S. troops in France during World War II, Miller's plane disappeared in bad weather. His body was never found.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra was originally formed in 1937 by Glenn Miller. It's unique, tight and popular sound was produced by arranging for a clarinet and tenor saxophone playing melody, while three other saxophones played the harmony. Miller had already formed one band before this in 1936, but he dissolved it as he considered it too similar to other bands of the era.

After the disappearance (and presumed death) of Miller in 1944, the band was reconstituted under the direction of Tex Beneke, its lead tenor saxophonist, singer, and one of Miller's longtime close friends. A few years later, the Miller estate, having parted ways with Beneke, hired Ray McKinley, principal drummer in Miller's Army Air Force band, to organize a new "ghost band" in 1956. The group went on, playing as a tribute to Miller's memory.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra continued to record and perform under various leaders starting in 1956. It is still touring today. Currently, trombonist Larry O'Brien leads the band.

Members:

Larry O'Brien - Trombonist, musical director
Julia Rich - vocalist
Ryan Garfi - vocalist
Kevin Sheehan - Lead Alto Saxophone
Bryan Wente - Alto Saxophone
Scott Van Domelen - Tenor Saxophone
Gregory Pflugh - Tenor Saxophone
Fil Lorenz - Baritone and Alto Saxophone and Clarinet
Ashley Hall - Lead Trumpet
Stephen Forse - Trumpet
Joe Badaczewski - Trumpet
Kyle Simpson - Trumpet
George Reinert III - Lead Trombone
Chris Fortner - Trombone
Steve McCallum - Third Trombone
Jason Bennett - Bass Trombone
Nathaniel Shafer - Piano
Justin Watt - Drums
Bart Delaney - Bass

A Million Dreams Ago
Glenn Miller Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You told me it was so
A million dreams ago
You held me in your arms
A million dreams ago
So many dreams have flown
So many nights alone
I guess I should have known
It couldn't be...

I'll lock my memories here in my heart

And here in my heart they'll stay
And through the years
they'll always be part,
A part of that lovely day
Goodbye, good luck, old friend
I'll smile and just pretend

There was no end
A million dreams ago

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Glenn Miller's "A Million Dreams Ago" reflect upon the passage of time and the memories that are left behind as relationships come to an end. The singer is speaking directly to an old friend, reminiscing about the past, and acknowledging that many of the things they dreamed about together have not come to fruition. The line, "You told me it was so, a million dreams ago," speaks to the trust that the singer had in their friend's promises, but also suggests that the dreams they shared were perhaps too lofty, and could never have been fully realized.

The sentiment of the song is bittersweet, as the singer acknowledges that they should have known the relationship would end, yet chooses to hold onto the memories and dreams they shared. The line "I'll lock my memories here in my heart, and here in my heart they'll stay," encapsulates this feeling, suggesting that the things we hold dear cannot be taken from us, even as time passes and relationships change. The song captures the sadness of saying goodbye to someone who was once very important, while finding solace in the memories that will always be a part of us.

Line by Line Meaning

You told me it was so
You reassured me that it was true

A million dreams ago
It feels like ages since that promise was made

You held me in your arms
You provided comfort and security

A million dreams ago
That embrace seems like a distant memory

So many dreams have flown
Many aspirations have not come to fruition

So many nights alone
A lot of time spent in solitude

I guess I should have known
Hindsight tells me that I should have been aware

It couldn't be...
That what we had was not meant to be

I'll lock my memories here in my heart
I will preserve the recollections within myself

And here in my heart they'll stay
Those moments will forever be within my being

And through the years
As time goes by