About the song
Andy Williams, the velvety-voiced baritone whose smooth delivery and impeccable phrasing made him a household name during the mid-20th century, is best remembered for his Christmas music. However, his repertoire extended far beyond carols and sleigh bells, encompassing a wide range of popular standards and show tunes. Among the latter, one song stands out as a particular gem: “The Impossible Dream.”
Written by Mitch Leigh for the 1965 musical Man of La Mancha, “The Impossible Dream” is a powerful ballad that captures the essence of human aspiration and the unwavering belief in the face of adversity. Its lyrics, penned by Joe Darion, paint a vivid picture of a world where dreams are often shattered by reality, yet the indomitable human spirit refuses to be extinguished.
The song’s opening lines, “The dreamers are the sanest of us all,” set the tone for a message of hope and resilience. In a world that often seems determined to crush our dreams, “The Impossible Dream” reminds us that it is the dreamers who keep the human spirit alive, who dare to believe in the impossible and strive for a better world.
“To chase the stars across the sky,” the lyrics continue, “And never lose the wonder why, though others may declare that they are mad or blind.” These lines capture the essence of the dreamer’s spirit, the unwavering belief in something greater than ourselves, even when faced with ridicule and doubt.
The song’s chorus, “I dream a dream, an impossible dream,” is a declaration of defiance against the naysayers and a statement of faith in the power of dreams. It is a call to action, urging us to never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult or improbable they may seem.
“I know they’ll say I’m crazy when they see me climb,” the lyrics acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, the inevitable obstacles that will try to block our path. Yet, the dreamer remains undeterred, “I’ll reach the end and then I’ll start again.”
The final verse of “The Impossible Dream” is a powerful affirmation of the transformative power of dreams: “For the dreamers are the one who make a world worth living in.” It is a reminder that our dreams are not just personal fantasies; they are the seeds of a better future, the driving force behind progress and change.
Andy Williams’ rendition of “The Impossible Dream” is a masterclass in vocal performance. His voice, rich and resonant, conveys the song’s message with sincerity and conviction. He captures the dreamer’s determination, the unwavering belief in the face of adversity, and the unwavering hope that dreams can indeed come true.
“The Impossible Dream” has become an enduring anthem for dreamers of all ages, a reminder that the pursuit of our dreams is not only worthwhile but essential to the human experience. It is a song that inspires us to believe in ourselves, to reach for the stars, and to never give up on our impossible dreams.
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Lyrics
To dream the impossible dreamTo fight the unbeatable foeTo bear with unbearable sorrowTo run where the brave dare not goTo right the unrightable wrongTo love pure and chaste from afarTo try when your arms are too wearyTo reach the unreachable starThis is my quest to follow that starNo matter how hopeless, no matter how farTo fight for the right without question or pauseTo be willing to march into hell for a heavenly causeAnd I know if I’ll only be true to this glorious questThat my heart will lie peaceful and calmWhen I’m laid to my restAnd the world will be better for thisThat one man, scorned and covered with scarsStill strove with his last ounce of courageTo fight the unbeatable foeTo reach the unreachable star