Richard Paul Kiley (March 31, 1922 – March 5, 1999) was an American stage, … Read Full Bio ↴Richard Paul Kiley (March 31, 1922 – March 5, 1999) was an American stage, television, and film actor. He is best known for his voice work, as narrator of various documentary series, and for having played Don Quixote in the original 1965 production of the Broadway musical Man of La Mancha. Kiley was the first to sing and record "The Impossible Dream", the hit song from the show. In the 1953 hit musical Kismet, he played the Caliph, and introduced the song "Stranger in Paradise".

The Impossible Dream
Richard Kiley Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
And to run where
The brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
And to love, pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary

To reach the unreachable star
This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march
March into hell
For that heavenly cause
And I know
If I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart
Will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest
And the world will be
Better for this
That one man, scorned
And covered with scars
Still strove with his last
Ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable
The unreachable
The unreachable star
And I'll always dream
The impossible dream

Yes, and I'll reach
The unreachable star

Overall Meaning

Richard Kiley's song The Impossible Dream talks about the aspirations of one individual to aim for the impossible dream despite the odds against him. The lyrics are filled with powerful and poignant words that capture the essence of the human spirit. The singer's dream is to fight for something that is unbeatable, despite the unbearable sorrow that comes with it. This can be interpreted as the struggle for social justice, freedom or equality. He wants to go to places where the brave do not dare and to right the unrightable wrong.

Moreover, the lyrics show a pure and chaste love that he aspires to, the love that is not only physical but also emotional and spiritual. He wants to go the length, even when his arms get too weary, to reach what seems like an unreachable star. The journey towards the dream is fraught with obstacles, and he acknowledges that it's not going to be easy.

The song's message resonates with many people, whether they are fighting for their dreams or to overcome adversity. The Impossible Dream has become synonymous with hope, courage, and resilience in the face of challenges. This song teaches us to persevere, follow our dreams, and never give up, no matter how impossible it might seem.

Line by Line Meaning

To dream the impossible dream
To aspire towards a goal that is seemingly unattainable

To fight the unbeatable foe
To confront a challenge or enemy that seems insurmountable

To bear with unbearable sorrow
To endure great emotional pain and suffering

And to run where The brave dare not go
To take risks and pursue a course of action that others fear

To right the unrightable wrong
To correct an injustice that seems impossible to rectify

And to love, pure and chaste from afar
To cherish a distant and unattainable love without impure thoughts or actions

To try when your arms are too weary
To persevere and continue to make efforts despite exhaustion or discouragement

To reach the unreachable star
To achieve the seemingly impossible or unattainable

This is my quest
This is my personal journey or mission

To follow that star
To continue pursuing a goal, even when it may seem impossible

No matter how hopeless No matter how far
Regardless of the odds or how far away the goal may seem

To fight for the right Without question or pause
To pursue what is right and just without hesitation or doubt

To be willing to march March into hell For that heavenly cause
To be prepared to undergo great hardship in the pursuit of a noble cause

And I know If I'll only be true To this glorious quest That my heart Will lie peaceful and calm When I'm laid to my rest
If I remain committed to this worthy cause, I will find peace in my heart when I die

And the world will be Better for this That one man, scorned And covered with scars Still strove with his last Ounce of courage To reach the unreachable The unreachable The unreachable star
The world will be a better place because one man, despite facing ridicule and adversity, still remained steadfast in his pursuit of an impossible dream

And I'll always dream The impossible dream
I will always strive towards what appears to be an impossible goal

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joe Darion, Mitchell Leigh

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Comments from YouTube:

@hugohackenbush1554

2y↑68

No matter how many times I watch and hear Richard's voice I can't help but let the tears stream down my boat. In my 60s now and I used to listen to the original Broadway cast album [my Ma's] near enough every day as a kid. This song has always touched whatever good there is in me. R.I.P Mr Richard Kiley 🙏🏼

@researcher37A

2y↑3

Same- I listened to my parents album as well! Dad made me listen with the headphones because he got tired of hearing it!

@hugohackenbush1554

@@researcher37A Oh that's a terrific memory. I can just picture those big old cans. Thank you for sharing that.

@kathywilliamson1826

2y↑2

I first heard it in 1970. I am almost 70. And still sob by the end of the introduction.

@hugohackenbush1554

2y↑2

@@kathywilliamson1826 We are blessed Kathy, that we both know real music and are able to let the tears flow freely without fear.

@dee_dee_place

2y↑1

Same here. I'm 64, & I can still sing all the lyrics to all the songs from that album, which I still have. I'm surprised I didn't completely wear it out. Mom saw Mr. Kiley on Broadway when it premiered. I saw Mr. Kiley 15 yrs later when the show toured in Florida. I cried, happy tears that evening.

4 More Replies...

@geoffreygoldberg7326

2y↑3

I saw Richard Kiley at the OKeefe Centre in Man of La Mancha, Magnificent

@rjs1jd

4y↑7

Whos here from "COLUMBO" "A FRIEND INDEED" ?

He's one of my favorite "guest" actors on my favorite shows like Gunsmoke and Columbo! He made these shows that much better its like adding a "cherry" to a good pie and making it irresistible in the END!

@dee_dee_place

2y↑22

My Mom saw Mr. Kiley on Broadway when "Man Of La Mancha" premiered on Broadway. She brought home the soundtrack album of the show. I learned every song by heart & hoped that one day, I too could see Mr. Kiley perform his role as Don Quixote de La Mancha. Fast forward 15 years later, in my 20s, I did just that. I cried the entire time Mr. Kiley sang. What A Joy! I still have the original album, btw.

@pamzavada5269

4y↑8

Thank you Aunt Mary, you beautiful soul, for taking me to see this when I was a little girl! I love you!!!

@tedsnowdon1647

3y↑32

Seeing this old video of Kiley singing The Quest (as it was originally titled), and reading all the comments of praise below, makes me doubly aware of how privileged I was to appear with him in the world premier of this landmark musical, at Goodspeed Opera House (East Haddam, CT) in the summer of 1965. I was a teenage apprentice there for 2 summers, and in 1965 Al Selden (who ran Goodspeed, having himself been a Broadway producer and composer) decided to bring Broadway director Albert Marre, his wife Joan Diener and Dick Kiley (all 3 from 1953's hit musical KISMET) to try out their new show called MAN OF LA MANCHA at Goodspeed. It was rather an all-star cast (as you can see from the cast album), and I was awestruck being in their presence. Even more so when I myself got cast as one of only two "Knights of the Mirrors" in the climactic Act II sequence, Don Quichote's breakdown. (Yes, the show had an intermission then. By November, when it got to the Anta Washington Square Theatre in downtown NYC, it was presented in one act.) So there I was, at Goodspeed, me and one other apprentice, both of us short guys, crushing the spirit of 6-foot-plus tall Richard Kiley!! Kind of ridiculous, but the audience was moved by it, anyway. Mr. Marre, the director, vowed to use taller actors if and when the play got to New York!! That happened only 4 months later, when it opened downtown to mixed reviews but rapturous audience response. By then I was off in college. All of us Goodspeed apprentices met together at Thanksgiving break to go see our old pals from the summer premier. And what a sensational production it was! Albert Marre and legendary set designer Howard Bay outdid themselves with their bold staging and design. Richard Kiley rightfully won the 1966 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Even though its initial NYC theater was physically Off-Broadway, it had over 1000 seats and thus qualified for Tony nominations. LA MANCHA played there for its first 2 years before moving uptown to the Martin Beck (now the Hirschfeld), where it ran for many more years. I still can't believe that this was my first professional gig in the theater, and that I am still at it, more or less. Thanks to YouTube, and all of you, for letting me relive such a pleasant memory.

@SmartTechCheck

3y↑7

Ted, thanks for wonderful and amazingly detailed story. "Man of La Mancha" is my favorite Broadway show and I was fortunate enough to see Kiley play the role in 1972, 1977 and 1981. He must have been heartbroken when he didn't get the movie version (which was awful) and I'm shocked the movie version has never been remade with a actors who can BOTH sing and act and it is faithful to the original stage production and orchestrations. You are indeed a lucky person to have had this experience!!!

@MsVirginiaHammer

O -- my - GOODness. Oh, my GOODNESS. I'm pretty speechless here, Ted. Jeez Louise. - Thank you for sharing this. -- Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ...... W - O - W.

@researcher37A

cool story!

@kevinspirek8395

2y↑1

Ted, in the original (1965) recording of the Man from Lamancha, Kiley, Diener, and the the guy who played Sancho(Don Quixote's old squire) all make the songs memorable, unforgettable classics. What role did you have as being one of the Knights of the Mirror?

@wayneo7220

2y↑5

My earliest memory of this song was of my mother singing it passionately with her wonderful vibrato in the '60's. I love the book, I love the play, and I love the song.

@user-ry7xy5zm7d

26w

I also sang the song "The impossible dream": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeVLPuStg-g

@hvymettle

5y↑8

The original and best Don Quixote. Was fortunate to have seen Richard Kiley perform in Man of La Mancha on Broadway.

@marilyng899

5y↑2

Me too, he was amazing and I will never forget his performance

@monami24257

5y↑3

Me too. Went as part of a high school field trip. That experience has stayed with me for nearly 50 years.

@bunnyriddell3379

3y↑34

My dearest father introduced me to this song when I was very young. I still have his album. Only Richard Kiley does it justice.❤

@dorathedestroyer770

47w

🧢 Luther Vandross & Josh Groban do it justice too.

@hvymettle

4y↑5

Saw him in one of the revivals in the early 70's. Thanks to my parents for teaching me to love the theater.

@grandpajoe9851

2y↑2

His is my favorite performance of this song!!

@user-ry7xy5zm7d

26w

I also sang the song "The impossible dream": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeVLPuStg-g

@richardwhite3924

8y↑337

I had the honor and privilege to be the first American to play Quixote in Germany in 1973 - a young guy of 22 under a lot of prosthetics. Every night at the closing when the entire cast sings this, the audience was on its feet cheering before we had even sung the last notes.

@jaysonindaytona

8y↑45

As some one who grew up an outsider dealing with anxiety and depression... This song has meant so much for me over the years... It showed me that music is emotion and that not all emotion and dreams are bad... And that they can heal the breaks in our armor... Thank you for tilting at windmills...

@charlescannon6165

7y↑3

Jayson Harrington e33$

@karentannenbaum7306

7y↑10

What a wonderful experience. What a perfect song.

@justtheoneanne

5y↑10

Mr. White, my dad and I saw you play Don Quixote this past fall in Indianapolis! :)

@thillwl

4y↑9

Any actor who has had the opportunity to perform this role and this song is blessed indeed.

18 More Replies...

@Shopmyst

4y↑4

The Great Neck South high school class sang this song at our graduation in 1967.

@lindawilson4774

4y↑8

How can you not weep? No matter how far down you are, you can rise up one more time.

@copperkettle1533

2y↑4

I'm 62. I remember and have loved this song since I was little. Even tried to sing it substituting the words bc I didn't know them, the music touched me that deeply. I heard many renditions over the years, but I didn't know who sung it originally, or what it even meant. I know now. And my love for it has deepened and matured. Thank you Mr Kiley.

@Hillers62

I'm 59..and I remember hearing this song on the Johnny Carson Show...I was enchanted...It was so powerful...Richard Kiley was the first to sing it on Broadway...I still love this song today...

@gerriochinero287

31w↑1

I love Richard Kiley. So fortunate to have seen him with my parents in Los Angeles production of Man of La Mancha. That performance truly got me hooked on theatre. Thank you, Richard Kiley.💕🙏

@njmarknj

4y↑67

I was 10 yrs old at the time, but I saw Kiley perform this on Broadway. Breathtaking.

@maddier1388

35w↑2

Beautiful and so right. Magnificent voice, oh the memory!

@user-ry7xy5zm7d

26w

I also sang the song "The impossible dream": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeVLPuStg-g

@HC-cb4yp

4y↑34

Kiley was one of the great unsung actors - to the masses, anyway - of his time.

@stephenvincent4989

3y↑64

The definitive “Man of La Mancha” Richard Kiley’s emotional version will always resonate as it does now over 50 years later and no doubt in 50 or more to come.

@franktoms8905

3y↑14

Yes I saw this live on Broadway as my confirmation gift. It is what made me decide to become an artist all those years ago. My last performance of this great show was in 1995

@danboozan9813

3y↑7

I am watching this on the night of November 4, 2020. I realize that my nation, the United States, may tomorrow lurch, unrecoverably, into the beginning of the end of its 244 year experiment in democracy. I am truly fearful. This song gives me hope and my nation hope. I am grateful for the comfort, hope, and strength it provides. Thank you for this song at this crucial moment for democracy.

@jessicarosner1811

3y↑4

feeling better today?

@jamescurran3400

2y↑1

When did we relinquish our aspirations to be better than we are? When did Americans decide to be satisfied, and lose our aspirations to advance civilization? When did we become selfish and short-sighted? When did we stop aspiring to know more than our parents? The Republican Party is destroying 246 years of USA advancement for purely selfish reasons. The 74 million people that voted for the criminal DJT in 2020 - out of ignorance or greed are responsible for the decline of the USA.

@julierichardson6193

1y↑2

no one can top him, no one

@user-ry7xy5zm7d

26w

I also sang the song "The impossible dream": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeVLPuStg-g

@kuzupekostan4778

4y↑14

man of la mancha is immeasurably underrated. it doesn’t get the love and attention it deserves.

@susanmarie2231

Kiley is the best! A truly great musical. Wonderful script, songs, very moving.

@suestrope4131

5y↑7

I saw him sing that in the mid sixties at the theatre and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

@ChroniclesofAlicha_Balaam

5y↑2

I was there and barely five and crying my eyes out!!! My grandparents were do cool to take all four of us kids to see this. Pure magic!

@sharonazar1

26w↑1

I was there. I saw and heard Richard Kiley in Man of La Mancha. I still weep and get chills when I hear him sing this song...

@lydiafuller7913

3y↑6

One of the few songs that brings tears to my eyes. Richard Kiley is perfect!

@user-ry7xy5zm7d

26w

I also sang the song "The impossible dream": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeVLPuStg-g

@chuckm4781

1y↑5

I saw him in the show. He sings his quest with a combination of courage and resignation that he will likely fail in a way no other perform can match. It's not just his wonderful voice. It seems his soul is bared.

@stuartrosenthal6439

36w↑1

I've seen or heard a dozen actors or more perform this song, and been part of five different productions of the show, but Richard Kiley's performance and embodiment of this role stands head and shoulders above everyone else's. And this song -- the steady build, the sparkling, mad, sad eyes, the vocal colors and inflections, the way he seems both taller and more rooted to the ground with every measure - every single moment is gripping and I forget I'm watching a screen every time. Thank you Mr. Kiley.

@donp1964

9y↑86

I was raised on this music, Man of La Mancha was my fathers favorite play, but more than the incredible music, it was the story behind it. I'd like to think it made me a better man. It's been 7 years since you passed away, but I think of you all the time. Thank you for this gift Dad!

@jmsnyc1961

7y↑9

I feel you Don. I thank my parents for the gift of music and the message within this song. They may be gone but they will never be forgotten.

@gayleearnhart8597

jmsnyc1961

@mercedespaz8561

7y↑8

Man of La Mancha was my dad's favorite play and this particular song was sung at his funeral. Almost forty years later, it is still a favorite of mine...

@Whtfigo223

11w

My all time favorite musical….saw it with Richard Kiley, have the movie with Peter O’Toole and saw it with Raul Julia in Boston at the Colonial Theater. Know every word to every song and to me…we all have an impossible dream!!!

@debbiewhite9308

4y↑6

I saw him in Toronto in 79. When he sang this song, I was mesmerized. Thank you Mr. Kiley.

@kenernhofer5914

3y↑1

I saw Man of La Mancha around this same time, but likely in Montreal and I want to believe it was with Richard Kiley. The exact memory is faint, but I recall thinking I was seeing a Broadway legend. The song and Kiley's version of it are masterpieces - heartbreaking and poignant, yet endlessly hopeful. The poor errant knight, tilting at windmills, dreaming of the impossible - and creating one of the most sublime moments in the theatre.

@CherishedChristianLife

2y↑10

the best performance ever of Don Quixote ❤️

@denesedunston1711

10w

R.I.P. Music Legend, Mr. Richard Kiley. The Impossibe Dream (The Quest) is one of my favorite songs. 🎵

@mariarussell4835

2y↑2

I saw Richard Kiley reprise this role on Broadway sometime in the 1970’s. I was a young woman then. To this day his performance reigns supreme!

@ancientname

4y↑8

He put his all in that. The lyrics are awesome. Really makes you ponder. To reach the impossible...fill it in with your own blank.

@sherryrose1721

2y↑2

This is an outstanding song that I heard several times as a child and at the time had no idea would be living it today. Such an inspiring song, love it and Richard Kiley is the only one do it justice.

@user-ry7xy5zm7d

26w

I also sang the song "The impossible dream": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeVLPuStg-g

@SMtWalkerS

24w↑1

Richard Kiley had an incredible voice and such charisma. This song wrings your heart and inspires at the same time. Kiley was a fine actor, too. Such a great villain in a Columbo episode and he was in one of my favorite episodes of "Ray Bradbury Theater". So talented and versatile.

@gnowack1

5y↑2

HARD TO BELIEVE... It was 45 years ago this weekend (1/11-12 1974) that the production of MAN OF La MANCHA which I directed was staged in New Jersey. The production was performed by the members of our theatrical troupe, the IMAGE PLAYERS. Musical score was provided under the direction of my former colleague, BILL TRUSHEIM and performed by the members of his orchestra. In the role of Don Quixote was my student and dear Friend, JAY ANDERKO...now gone for more than a year...but, still with me ALWAYS. I truly, truly miss those days, and all the members of the theatrical troupe...and, my role as a director. To all the former Image Players...I can NEVER express what you mean to me! AND...I have NEVER stopped reaching for that "Impossible Dream."

@jamesduthie8760

13w↑1

Richard Kiley sings the best rendition of this song.

@maryleone2023

4y↑78

Richard Kiley should have been cast in the movie version as well. He was phenomenal as Don Quixote on Broadway. He was definitely cheated out of the role in the movie, which did not really go over big, despite starring Sophia Loren. Richard Kiley was an established film and TV actor and I loved him in The Blackboard Jungle and all the TV westerns he was in, especially Gunsmoke. I saw Raoul Julia and Sheena Easton in Man of La Mancha on Broadway. They were not as good as the original. I have the original album from Man of La Mancha and play it often. RIP Richard Kiley, I hope you marched into Heaven!

@novelsolvings8024

3y↑6

I believe I read somewhere that Richard Kiley was going to reprise his role in the movie along with librettist Dale Wasserman, composer Mitch Leigh, director Albert Marre and Joan Diener (the original Adonza) all returning as well. However Marre had had never directed a movie before and the studio fired him after seeing how much he spent on screen tests, leading to Kiley and the rest of the returning cast and crew quiting the movie in protest.

@treeskates

2y↑3

I loved Richard Kiley.

@tranquilthoughts7233

2y↑3

Let's be fair here, Richard O'Toole was also a great Don Quixote.

@maryshanley329

2y↑2

We need this kind of music back again. It was often mystical and songs of sorrow and of great love. They were about real people.
I am sick of “ The Noise” which masquerades they call music.

@AirForceChmtrails

2y↑1

@@treeskates He is mediocre.

11 More Replies...

@colleenvantrease4977

3y↑2

I sure really truly honestly do love all of the singers who do the version of the impossible dream. All of them do a wonderful job on the song 🎵no matter who they are. I give them all a thumbs 👍.

@user-ry7xy5zm7d

26w

I also sang the song "The impossible dream": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeVLPuStg-g

@dee_dee_place

2y↑3

Just a P. S.-
Joan Diener, the original Aldonza, made Don Quixote de La Mancha & this musical REAL.
Diener's rendition of "Dulcinea", at the end, is just heartwrenching, it reaches into my soul.
I cannot imagine the end result being as impactful if Kiley & Diener had not been cast in the 2 leading roles. Bravo, Multi Bravo, & Thank You.

@jmsnyc1961

7y↑6

I'm in tears. This was one of my parents favorite Broadway shows and my sister and I were lucky enough to see Richard Kiley in the revival on Broadway a good 35+ years ago.

@Yoisthatabe

3y↑2

he stared at my mom as he sang this song the whole time. she cried so much

@MsVirginiaHammer

MAN! JEEZ LOUISE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@MsVirginiaHammer

That would be a LASER BEACON LIGHT of Intensity to the Soul indeed. WOW. --- WOW. - Thank you for sharing that, Joe. - I got to hear him sing it, when they revived "Man of La Mancha," early '80s, Broadway - @ the Palace ... UNFORGETTABLE. I have watched this video ... countless times ... listened to the cast album even MORE countless times ... and I'd forgotten: ('cos he needs TO FOCUS on ONE SPOT., of course, to TRULY deliver the true impact of the song ) - that he would HAVE to yes, -- wind up delivering it to one person out there in the dark ... without meaning to "overwhelm" that partic. audience member, of course. -- WOW. That is must ... that's ... sigh ... Ahhhhh ... What an experience for your Mom. - Beautiful. - Good luck and good fortune to you, Joe. Stay well and safe! - Somehow, your Mom .. that makes her so, so special ... Well. - wonderful. - Sorry if I "gushed" or anything. (I'm a singer & theater director, myself, so. Whatever.)

@billcole8246

7y↑98

There are few songs that actually touch your soul and this is, perhaps, the one at the top of the list and this is the version that grabs you. Richard sounds exactly the old, tired, self-anointed knight he is. This is the anthem for all times, for all who try without real hope of succeeding. Listen once again, my friends, and let's go tilt at one those pesky windmills disguised as .......

@salberton

0

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@billcole8246

@@salberton I don't understand.

@trishoconnor2169

43w↑2

I was just thinking that it somehow seems as if the title "Sir" should be before Richard Kiley's name, and probably would be had he been British instead of American. Not that I am a believer in aristocracy; I am very glad the US doesn't have it. But there just was always a certain aura of dignity around Kiley that seemed like a man born to become an aristocrat even if not born AS an aristocrat. He carried himself like one who is confident that he deserves his celebrity, somehow seeming more famous than he really was without seeming self-deluded about it. "Self-appointed knight" is a good description of him, not just of one role he played in a single musical.

@gloriastanley3369

2y↑1

I'm currently playing "The Barber" in a theater in Silicon Valley, CA. It's wonderful to be in this production with such memorable characters and stunning music. Richard Kiley is one of the greats and it's wonderful to see this performance.!

@richardjmcguire7191

2y↑2

I Knew Richard Kiley When I Lived In n TUXEDO PARK NEW YORK.,When Moved To New Jersey RICHARD KILEY . , SENT MY PARENTS TICKET TO SE HIM PERFOM ON BROADWAY MAM OF LAMANCHA,
He Was A Great Guy Along With His Family Mary Kiley His First Wife.
David Kiley His Son Michael Kiley His Son , CATHY KILEY HIS DAUGHTER , James Kiley His Son. Richard Likely Was A UNBELIEVABLE SUPER NICE GUY.
When Came Down To Tuxedo Park Lake He Would Some Times Cater A FOOD VAN ALL AT HIS EXPENSE.
WHAT A GREAT GUY.
SINCERELY RICHARD J MCGUIRE

@judypappas7484

24w

My Mom used to drag me to see Broadway shows as a teenager. Most were over my head or were just too confusing ( Desire Under the Elms?) but this one, Man of La Mancha was a wonderful experience. I will never forget how Richard Kiley's voice filled the theatre and moved all of us to tears.

@franklesser5655

5y↑8

Amazing voice!

@anniekramer8526

2y↑1

I saw Richard Kiley on Broadway in December, 1977. I sing this song to the people of Ukraine every day and will do so on YouTube for President Biden and President Zylinsky. I will sing it in my dreams with Richard Kiley singing along. Bless this world for peace.

@gregrosenheck8852

7y↑38

I'm 49 years old I loved this long since I was in my 20's. When my father used to play it I pretended that I didn't like it, but in reality I loved it. Not many songs today get to me emotionally but this one does. What this song means to me is-when at a low point in your life there is HOPE to get out if your willing to "MARCH INTO HELL FOR THAT HEAVENLY CAUSE"!

@333mrwill

6y↑4

This knocks me out ---- every time......

@MasonBarge

How cool is it that Stokes Mitchell introduces this, with so much respect?

@drrealitycheck1

6y↑30

Best rendition by far of this song, when it was done by a true professional.

@Racquetballplayer76

8y↑13

I saw Mr. Kiley perform in Chicago in his 1,004th performance. He was amazing.

@MsVirginiaHammer

Ahhhhhh..... magnificent. I got to him hm sing it in an early '80s revival in NYC, Broadway @ the Palace. MAGNIFICENT. UNFORGETTABLE.

@chineseslaves1971

3y↑3

A whole lot of people should listen to this song! Bravery is too rare in this world of selfish cowards.

@user-ry7xy5zm7d

26w

I also sang the song "The impossible dream": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeVLPuStg-g

@robertfencl4401

2y↑2

The man had a million dollar voice!

@user-ry7xy5zm7d

26w

I also sang the song "The impossible dream": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeVLPuStg-g

@jeffschecter4543

8y↑347

this song comes halfway through the play. This is the moment when the audience (just like Aldonza) stops laughing at this old fool, and begins to hear what his disordered mind believes in.... what he believes is worth devoting one's last ounce of courage to pursue .....despite it not being achievable. Impossible. But to try, to dream.... to reach for....that is where glory lies. So try to forget about how it is sung... pretend youve never heard it before, dont sing along.... dont listen at it....listen to it... hear a crazy old madman standing alone under the stars in the courtyard of a dirty little inn....

@nicolasocampo9953

8y↑12

+Jeff Schecter you are absolutely right!

@drewfitzsimmons5046

8y↑16

Bravo. Well said.

@bobdaniel4198

7y↑10

Kudos. Excellently said!!

@kvoltti

7y↑37

The foundation of tyranny and evil is apathy. This song is a direct challenge to that. i't better to fight for what's right for those who can not and even fail then to stand by and do nothing, in trying times this song is a balm for my soul

@nathansmith9583

7y↑10

+Kyle Voltti well said. profound

7 More Replies...

@nemafann

6y↑24

I remember telling my kids that the voice of Richard Kiley in Jurassic Park was the great voice behind Man of La Mancha. They "spared no expense" Brilliant voice

@kathyfelter7393

Frank Sinatra did a,really good version of it and the original Simon Gilbert and also robert goulet.the song has lots of meaning now in
2021.

@jeanniehubbard3765

7y↑14

I had forgotten how terrific Kiley's voice was...............what a talent

@littlemikeism

5y↑3

Pure joy to watch this.

@PanamaBob1942

6y↑15

"My Fair Lady" with the original cast was my first Broadway show...then "Man of La Mancha" with Kiley, etc., ..so I was spoiled when it comes to musicals. Today's minimalist sets and hip-hop influenced scores leave me cold. I remember Kiley's voice rocking the back of the theatre..magical times.

@MsVirginiaHammer

YES !!!!

@bst6791

4y↑62

Everybody and their uncle has recorded this gem. The original is best most of the time. Kiley had the best rendition in my opinion.

@bestzero

What do you think of Jennifer Hudson's version? Its soooo powerful, and heart wrenching 💔

@doniellestenson3502

Mine too.

@breezingby2611

3y↑2

Personally my favorite is Brian Stokes Mitchell, followed by Kiley

Edit: I change my mind, I like Richard a little more

@Rusty3659

3y↑2

You should listen to Jim Nabors.

@tranquilthoughts7233

I don't know. Personally i rate Richard O'Toole as the best but Kiley gets a close second.

1 More Replies...

@mauracole9219

7y↑6

ASTOUNDING, RICHARD KILEY

@JackSmith-qy9is

I saw the original cast in New York when I was at Fordham with rush tickets at $3.50! What a great opportunity!

@keithforsay4204

4y↑5

RK Was A Very Talented Preformer Indeed RIP.

@jennilang721

3y↑1

I saw him in Toronto, at the O'Keefe center, I think. I was like 7ish. I saw Glenn Ford in our hotel lobby, there, too!!!😁👍😁

@dteed6282

Richard Kiley was my grandfather. He would have been so flattered by all these nice comments. This role was obviously a life changing experience for him and he always spoke so fondly of the people in the production. Later in his life he became quite possessive of the role. He said watching other people play Don Quioxte was like watching a stranger beat your child. Haha of course he enjoyed watching the other amazing actor's portrayals, but was quite honest about how attached he was to that character. He related to Quixote.

@michaelmartinez1345

2y↑1

I first became aware of Richard Kiley and his acting talents, from a mid 1970's TV show called Columbo (A friend in Deed)... He was the bad guy, and his acting talent was superb as the viewers grew to dis-like the character he portrayed, as the story progressed... But I did not realise his amazing singing talent, until I saw this... What an amazing talent this man had !!! RIP - Richard Kiley, you will be remembered for many years to come...

@catcrazy336

6y↑5

Richard Kiley was peerless.

@utuber1752

Saw him in Toronto. Awesome.

@Yitzhakhazak

4y↑2

Great. Just great.

@josefinabalatbat122

4y↑5

I was lucky to have seen the original production in that theatre with a circular stage in NYC (earlier than this Broadway production), many decades ago! It continues to be one of my 3 stage musical favorites! Who can hold off the tears when he immortalized The Impossible Dream. I also saw the revival on Broadway with Brian Stokes Mitchell but despite his excellent tenor range, it could not hold a candle to how Richard Kiley imbued the song (and the entire musical) with such emotional depth!

@rocketfighter8

You are entitled to your opinion about BSM, no matter how wrong it is.

@josefinabalatbat122

@@rocketfighter8 I did see both renditions in separate live productions of Man of La Mancha so I do have a solid basis for comparison. It is on the acting department where BSM disappoints - you could not feel the aura that the character brings to the story in Stokes's characterization. He did not win a TONY - maybe an indication of this shortcoming. To each his own!

@rocketfighter8

@@josefinabalatbat122 The issue I have is your using the expression "could not hold a candle to" which means distinctly inferior. In 2003 BSM was nominated for a Tony for best actor in a musical (Man of La Mancha). You can't say that is distinctly inferior.

@josefinabalatbat122

@@rocketfighter8 I did say that the Stokes tenor notes were great - it was on the acting side that I was very disappointed when I saw the revival ( MOLM is one of my 3 fave musicals so I was very much looking forward to the revival). BSM's portrayal departed from what I had hoped (based on so many commentaries on the character from Miguel de Cervantes's iconic work and based on how the iconic portrayal by Richard Kiley drew so much emotional resonance). BSM portrayed him in the end as simply a frail old man, without the continuing fierce( maybe maniacal, almost) inspiration seen in Don Quijote's eyes (which impressed so much in the Kiley interpretation). It made "The Impossible Dream" what it became - a source of inspiration for all time... because even towards the end, the Man of La Mancha never gave up the quest, insane man or not! I guess we will just have to agree to disagree.

@alecpetrossian7459

7y↑4

A very special song with profound meaning, beautiful.

@elizabethcimino6559

7y↑3

My father took me to see Richard Kiley on stage. I sat at the edge of my seat, the tears flowing. My Father passed many years ago, and whenever I hear this, I think of it as a philosophy. One of hundreds he taught me through music.

@billbrimmer1739

9y↑89

Peerless Richard Kiley delivering this incredible song he introduced in 1965.

@robertgraziano

5y↑2

I had the honor to see Mr.Kiley in the Broadway production. Still remember.

@jnstonbely5215

4y↑4

Richard Kiley was a magnificent Actor and the listening public never knew he possessed a magnificent voice until this beautiful song from
“ Man of La Mancha “

@Emick1978

4y↑3

Yes!!!!! Amazing

@martaszadurska-ok9cl

40w

l will be able to coment on this performance without a tear in my eye. lt's so wonderf😢❤

@megatexification

5y↑1

I have never seen this play, but I know all the all the words to the song. And I love it.

@DavidFMayerPhD

5y↑6

Magnificent!

@Lostinabook

4y↑19

This song always gives me goosebumps. The words of this song are true and beautiful.

@gemsong

22w

Absolute perfection.

@catcrazy336

6y↑4

This makes me cry.

@roslyntchakedjian927

Pure magic 🎶🎶🎶 the upside of a lockdown is discovering amazingly talented people, in some cases people l never knew existed.
September 2021 Greetings from Sydney.🇦🇺

@paulg68paulg68

2y↑1

Had the great fortune of seeing him reprise the role on Broadway in 1977. It was one of three legitimate "show stoppers" I've experienced, where the audience stood and the end of the song, and the show couldn't continue until we were all clapped out. I still get goosebumps watching it.

@getbent88

6y↑11

Love Richard Kiley's voice. And he was great on an episode of Columbo.

@normaaspeitia9213

6y↑4

I REMEMBER RICHARD RILEY ON GUNSMOKE AND BONANZA, BUT HE DID MANY WESTERN, I NEVER KNEW HE COULD SING TILL HE DID "MAN OF LA MANCHA. OUTSTANDING VOICE WHAT A TALENT.

@jamesbreithaupt5138

Watch Columbo "A friend indeed". He was great there as a muderer

@carollamendola2432

5y↑1

WONDERFUL, granted there have many renditions of this song, but this is still my all time favorite.

@jackrenglish

6y↑4

I WORKED WITH RICHARD KILEY IN THE 60'S, IN NYC..GREAT TALENT & NICE MAN..JACK ENLISH...WEHO...7/2018...

@jackrenglish

6y↑3

I WAS HIS STAND-IN ON TV IN NYC, IN THE 60,S..& HE BEFRIENDED ME.....CLASS ACT..JE

@jackrenglish

6y↑2

RICHARD ALSO WAS IN THE ORIGINAL COMPANY OF "KISMET, & ALFRED DRAKE GOT JEALOUS & HAD RICHARD RELACED WHEN "STRANGER IN PARADISE" BECAME A BIG HIT!...YEP, SHOW BIZ..JE

@jackrenglish

6y↑2

OOPS..THAT,S "REPLACED"..& RICHARD ALSO DID "REDHEAD", & "NO STRINGS" ON BROADWAY...ALL HIT SHOWS..JE

@bluestingerborg

Did he ever meet Elvis Presley?

@davidtemes3338

6y↑11

This was my first Broadway show that I saw when I was a child. I was about 10 years old and I was hypnotized by Kiley's performance. This clip brings back the memory of a totally amazing experience I never forgot! Thanks for posting this treasure

@jamesbarry6979

4y↑1

Outstanding" My Dad loved it!
Miss the good old Days!

@djo9941

13w

"Never give up, never surrender "!

@libbychecks1001

8y↑13

Every time I hear this song, tears come to my eyes.

@tunutto

7y↑2

me too

@rmaldonado4031

5y↑1

It does exactly that to many of us .

@miguela.olivares2778

2y↑2

best Don quijote ever❤❤❤❤❤

@MeMeDaVinci

I was 17 or so when I saw Richard Kiley...Los Angeles. It was an amazing show.

@billcole8246

8y↑29

This is a timeless anthem about doing your best, trying & striving no matter the odds. Impossible? We do that before breakfast. I saw him do this in a small Chicago theater a long while ago. I hope we can all strive to be the best we can be and do more than we think we can achieve. After all, the world was built by people who didn't stop at improbable or impossible. I've their tracks in the Nebraska prairie.

@donna6348

4y↑2

How interesting. I'm currently in Nebraska desperate to go home to New York. Covid-19 is raging. Broadway is shuttered. The city is on pause. This song is so fitting at this time in our lives. Lord willing, The Show Will Go On. 💞

@billcole8246

1y↑1

@@donna6348 Hope you made it home. Omaha's not a bad place if you have guide but Epley isn't the place for that. Lots of arts and artists. I know because I graduated high school with some of them. I understand wanting to get the hell out of some place you're trapped in. The last time I was back, I spent 12 hours and couldn't wait to get out. Lol. Good luck back in the Big Apple.

@jackrenglish

6y↑4

RICHARD KILEY INVITED ME TO A REHEARSAL OF "LAMANCHA" AT WASHINGTON SQ. THEATRE...1965.....WE WERE WORKING ON THE "NURSES" TV SERIES, & WE SPLIT A CAB FROM UPTOWN TO THE VILLAGE.......MOVING EXPERIENCE....JACK ENGLISH..ACTOR/SINGER...WEHO...7/2018

@johnnielsen8369

6y↑1

That is a great story!

@SmartTechCheck

What wonderful background on Richard Kiley --- it seems that the Quixotic spirit truly lived within him! Stories about him are welcome so please keep them coming!