Garrett has performed across the whole world and has also sung opera and pop classics with Bryan Ferry, The Eurythmics and Mick Hucknall to celebrate the arrival of the new century on Millennium Eve, in the grounds at the Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum.
She played the lead role of Hanna Glawari, in the Welsh National Opera's production of The Merry Widow, which toured the United Kingdom in 2005. As of November 2006, Garrett was performing as Mother Abbess for six months, in Andrew Lloyd Webber's revival of The Sound of Music.
As a recording artist, Garrett has released eleven solo albums. Many of her albums have received gold and silver status. Soprano in Red received the Gramophone Award for "Best-selling Classical Artist of the Year". Garrett was also a featured artist on the platinum selling Perfect Day single released by the BBC in aid of Children in Need.
Garrett is a member of the board of the English National Opera. In 2002, she was awarded the CBE for services to music.
She is also a presenter on the UK commercial radio station "Classic FM".
Once I Had a Sweetheart
Lesley Garrett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Once I had a sweetheart and now I have none
He's gone and left me, he's gone and left me
Gone and left me in sorrow to mourn
Last night in sweet slumber I dreamt I did see
Last night in sweet slumber I dreamt I did see
My own darling jewel sat smiling by me
But when I awakened I found it not so
But when I awakened I found it not so
My eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed
My eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed
I'll venture through England, through France and through Spain
I'll venture through England, through France and through Spain
My life I'll venture on watery main
My life I'll venture on watery main
The lyrics to Lesley Garrett's song "Once I Had a Sweetheart" convey the sadness and heartbreak that comes from losing a loved one. The song starts with the repetition of "Once I had a sweetheart and now I have none," emphasizing the loss felt by the singer. The repetition also creates a somber tone that carries throughout the song. The chorus "He's gone and left me, gone and left me, gone and left me in sorrow to mourn" reinforces the realization of being abandoned by someone who was once so dear.
In the second verse, the singer dreams of her lost love sitting beside her. The use of the word "jewel" to describe her lover carries an emotional weight; it implies that he was a treasure of great value to her. The dream offers a brief moment of relief, but it is short-lived. In reality, her lover is gone, and the tears overflow from her eyes.
The last verse offers a sense of hope as the singer declares she will venture through England, France, and Spain. The use of the word "venture" implies a sense of bravery and determination. The final line, "My life I'll venture on watery main," suggests that she is willing to take on any challenge, no matter how daunting, to find happiness once again.
Overall, the song's combination of haunting lyrics and Lesley Garrett's soulful voice creates an emotional, somber tone that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Line by Line Meaning
Once I had a sweetheart and now I have none
I used to have a lover, but now I am alone.
He's gone and left me, he's gone and left me
He has abandoned me and left me behind.
Gone and left me in sorrow to mourn
He departed and left me to grieve in sadness.
Last night in sweet slumber I dreamt I did see
During my peaceful sleep last night, I had a vision.
My own darling jewel sat smiling by me
My beloved, precious treasure was sitting next to me, grinning.
But when I awakened I found it not so
However, when I woke up, I realized that it was not real.
My eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed
My tears were flowing uncontrollably like a fountain.
I'll venture through England, through France and through Spain
I will travel across England, France, and Spain.
My life I'll venture on watery main
I will take my chances and explore the sea.
Writer(s): Joan Baez
Contributed by Abigail Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.