Orchestra: New York Philharmonic
195… Read Full Bio ↴Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
Orchestra: New York Philharmonic
1958–69
1969–90, Laureate Conductor
b. Lawrence, Massachusetts, August 25, 1918
d. New York, October 14, 1990
Leonard Bernstein was part performer (his earliest aspirations were as a pianist), part composer, part conductor, part lecturer and author, and part teacher. An 11-time Emmy Award winner, his Young People’s Concerts with the Philharmonic spanned over 14 seasons. His debut on November 14, 1943 is the stuff of legend — the virtually unknown New York Philharmonic Assistant Conductor stepping onto the Carnegie Hall podium to conduct a live radio broadcast in place of the ailing guest conductor, Bruno Walter, on a few hours’ notice.
Bernstein’s association with the Philharmonic spanned 47 years, 1244 concerts, and 200-plus recordings. In a program after his death, the Orchestra remembered America’s best known classical musician: “His 11 years as our Music Director [1958-1969] and 21 years as our Laureate Conductor were periods of brilliance in the Orchestra’s history. Mr. Bernstein will be remembered for his genius, his leadership, his humanitarianism, his ability to transmit his love of music to young and old, his dedication to our Orchestra, his service to young musicians, and his unforgettable, ebullient and caring personality. We are grateful for his legacy.” It is only one indication of the love its current players — at least one of whom played in that 1943 concert — bear Lenny that the Philharmonic will occasionally play one of his works without a conductor.
Somewhere
Leonard Bernstein & New York Philharmonic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Peace and quiet and open air, wait for us somewhere
There's a time for us, someday a time for us
Time together with time to spare, time to learn, time to care
Someday, somewhere, we'll find a new way of living
We'll find a way of forgiving, somewhere
There's a place for us, a time and place for us
Hold my hand and we're half-way there, hold my hand and I'll take you there
Somehow, someday, somewhere
The lyrics to Leonard Bernstein's "Somewhere" are a poignant reflection on hope, yearning, and the universal desire for a place to call one's own. These lyrics suggest that there is a place for everyone, somewhere in the world, where they can find peace, quiet, and open air. It is a place where one can learn, grow, and care for one another. This place offers hope for a better future and an opportunity for forgiveness.
The lyrics also suggest that this place is achievable - it is not an unreachable fantasy. "Someday, somewhere, we'll find a new way of living," the song says. This suggests that no matter how bleak the present may seem, there is always hope for a brighter future. The song also emphasizes the importance of connection - holding hands is seen as a powerful symbol of support and a shared journey towards a better tomorrow.
One of the most striking aspects of this song is its universality. Although it was originally written for a Broadway musical about the New York City gang scene, the lyrics are deeply resonant across cultures and borders. They tap into a fundamental human desire for connection, belonging, and hope. The song has been covered by countless artists and remains a beloved classic.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a place for us, somewhere a place for us
In this world, there exists a place that belongs to us, a place where we can find our purpose and be ourselves.
Peace and quiet and open air, wait for us somewhere
There is a sanctuary that awaits us, where we can experience tranquility and freedom in our surroundings.
There's a time for us, someday a time for us
As we journey through life, we will come across a moment in time that is meant for us, where we will find our destiny.
Time together with time to spare, time to learn, time to care
During this moment in time, we will have the opportunity to be with those we love, to expand our knowledge and experience empathy for others.
Someday, somewhere, we'll find a new way of living
One day, in a place where our dreams can come true, we will discover a way of life that brings us the most fulfillment.
We'll find a way of forgiving, somewhere
Along this journey, we will learn to forgive those who have wronged us, and find peace within ourselves.
There's a place for us, a time and place for us
This destiny that awaits us is not just a physical place, but a moment in time where we will find true happiness and contentment.
Hold my hand and we're half-way there, hold my hand and I'll take you there
Together, we can embark on this journey towards our destiny, and as long as we are together, we will be able to overcome any obstacle.
Somehow, someday, somewhere
Even though we may not know when or how, we can hold onto the hope that one day we will reach this place and time that is meant for us.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thebloads
The melody and orchestration are to die for. This is transcendental.
@vazmo14850
the harp entering in at 1:40 still, after all of my years of listening to this, still gives me chill!
@hellsbellsmichelle
This is what I'll hear as I'm transcending from this life to my next one.
@Iwasbornin_
yes i like
@mediamanny53
Once a sweet Dear One shared this gorgeously beautiful composition on a winter night with me, and now I share it with you!
Somewhere love waits
Goodbye until we meet again, "Somewhere"
@ounkwon6442
Somewhere I shall be. Quantum leap some day.