Clark grew up in Texas, where she attended the Hockaday School, an all-girls school in Dallas, Texas. She also attended the Interlochen Arts Academy, before whisking off to Yale University (graduated in 1982), where, at the age of eighteen, she sang the role of Mabel in Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera The Pirates of Penzance. She also sang the title role of Gilbert & Sullivan's Patience and directed a production of Ruddigore for the Yale Gilbert & Sullivan Society. After college, Clark continued to direct shows. She currently teaches voice in addition to performing.
Clark's stage work previous to The Light in the Piazza (2005-06) includes roles in the Broadway musicals Urinetown (2003), Cabaret (1999-2000), Titanic (1997-99), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1995-96), A Grand Night for Singing (1993-94), and Guys and Dolls (1992-93), as well as numerous roles Off-Broadway and in regional theatre. Clark has also been seen in films and in roles in television episodes and appears on a number of Broadway cast albums and other recordings.
She appeared as ex-showgirl Sally Durant Plummer in the Encores! staged concert presentation of Follies in February 2007 at City Center.
Before the Parade Passes By
Victoria Clark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before it all moves on and only I'm left
Before the parade passes by
I've gotta get in step while there's still time left
I'm ready to move out in front
Life without life has no reason or rhyme left
With the rest of them
I wanna hold my head up high
For I need got a goal again
I need got a drive again
I wanna feel my heart coming alive again
Before the parade passes by
Before the parade passes by
I'm gonna go and taste Saturday's high life
Before the parade passes by
I'm gonna get some life back into my life
I'm ready to move out in front
I've had enough of just passing by life
With the rest of them
With the best of them
I can hold my head up high
For I've got a goal again
I've got a drive again
I’m gonna feel my heart coming alive again
Before the parade passes by
Listen and hear that brass harmony growing
Look at the crowd up ahead
Pardon me if my old spirit is showing
All of those lights over there
Seem to be telling me where I'm going
When the whistles blow
And the cymbals crash
And the sparklers light the sky
I'm gonna raise the roof
I'm gonna carry on
Give me an old trombone
And give me an old baton
Before the parade passes by
The lyrics to Victoria Clark's song "Before The Parade Passes By" describe a sense of urgency and seizing the moment before it is too late. The singer is aware that time is fleeting and wants to make sure they live life to the fullest before they are left alone. The parade metaphor represents the passing of time and the inevitability of change. The singer wants to be a part of the parade, to march forward with everyone else, rather than be left behind. They want to feel the excitement and joy of being alive, to have a sense of purpose and drive. The lyrics talk about wanting to hold their head up high, to have a goal and a reason to move forward. They want to feel their heart coming alive again and get some life back into their life.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of determination and hopefulness. The singer speaks about being ready to move out in front, to take charge of their life and not just pass by. They sound motivated and energized as they talk about going to taste Saturday's high life and raise the roof when the whistles blow. The lyrics hint at a feeling of nostalgia, as the singer talks about an old spirit and an old trombone, but ultimately the lyrics celebrate living life in the present moment and not letting opportunities pass by.
Line by Line Meaning
Before the parade passes by
I don't want to miss the excitement and energy of this event
Before it all moves on and only I'm left
I don't want to be the only one left behind while the rest move forward with their lives
I've gotta get in step while there's still time left
I need to catch up with others and be part of the action before it's too late
I'm ready to move out in front
I'm prepared to take a leading role in my life
Life without life has no reason or rhyme left
Life without purpose and passion is meaningless
With the rest of them
I want to be part of the crowd and not feel left out
With the best of them
I want to be with the most successful and happiest individuals
I wanna hold my head up high
I want to have confidence and pride in myself
For I need got a goal again
I want to have a clear purpose for my life once again
I need got a drive again
I want to have the motivation and determination to achieve my goals
I wanna feel my heart coming alive again
I want to experience the excitement and passion for life
Before the parade passes by
Once again, I don't want to miss out on what life has to offer
I'm gonna go and taste Saturday's high life
I'm going to seek out the fun and exciting experiences in life
I'm gonna get some life back into my life
I'm going to regain my energy and passion for living
I've had enough of just passing by life
I'm tired of not being fully invested in my own life
Listen and hear that brass harmony growing
I can hear the excitement and anticipation building up for the big event
Look at the crowd up ahead
I'm excited to be a part of this enthusiastic crowd
Pardon me if my old spirit is showing
Please excuse my enthusiasm and passion, it's just who I am
All of those lights over there
I can see the bright and exciting future ahead of me
Seem to be telling me where I'm going
I'm optimistic about my future and where I'm headed
When the whistles blow
At the height of the excitement and energy of the parade
And the cymbals crash
The loud sounds of the instruments playing in unison
And the sparklers light the sky
The dazzling display of lights filling the sky above
I'm gonna raise the roof
I'm going to express my enthusiasm and passion loudly and proudly
I'm gonna carry on
I'm going to keep moving forward with my goals and dreams
Give me an old trombone
I want to be part of the music and excitement
And give me an old baton
I want to be the one directing and guiding my own life
Contributed by Xavier R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.