"I Dreamed a Dream" is a poignant ballad featured in the 2012 film adaptation of the beloved musical, Les Misérables. The song is performed by Anne Hathaway in her role as Fantine, a struggling single mother who reflects on her past dreams and the harsh reality that has befallen her. Hathaway's powerful rendition earned her widespread acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Lyrics[]
There was a time when men were kind
When their voices were soft
And their words inviting
There was a time when love was blind
And the world was a song
And the song was exciting
There was a time
Then it all went wrong
I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high and life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted
But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hope apart
As they turn your dream to shame
He slept a summer by my side
He filled my days with endless wonder
He took my childhood in his stride
But he was gone when autumn came
And still I dream he'll come to me
That we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms we cannot weather
I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed
France • Paris • Montfermeil • Digne • Montreuil-sur-Mer • Convent of the Petit-Picpus • Rue Plumet • Café Musain • Barricade of the Rue de la Chanvrerie • Sewers of Paris
Songs
Look Down • The Bishop • Valjean's Soliloquy • At the End of the Day • I Dreamed a Dream • The Confrontation • Castle on a Cloud • Master of the House • The Bargain • Suddenly • The Convent • Stars • Paris • The Robbery/Javert's Intervention • In My Life • A Heart Full of Love • The Attack on the Rue Plumet • One Day More • On My Own • The Letter • The Night Of Anguish • The First Attack • Drink with Me • Bring Him Home • The Final Battle • The Sewers • Javert's Suicide • Turning • Empty Chairs at Empty Tables • Valjean's Confession • Do You Hear the People Sing? • Epilogue
