“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” — Here’s What It Really Means

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The phrase “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is not your classic, old-English idiom.

This phrase, that reverberates within each of us takes its roots from a 2004 song from the American rock band, Green Day. 

The phrase was used even before that by Al Dubin in 1933 where he released a song by the same name, however, Al’s song is not the reason behind the popularity of the phrase.

The song was the fourth track in Green Day’s album American Idiot, with lyrics written by Billie Joe Armstrong, the song came out as a hit.

So much so, that the song’s catchphrase, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” captured a lot of attention.

Today, the phrase is commonly used by writers to denote a range of ideas when used in different contexts. Here’s what this phrase really means.

 

What is the meaning of the phrase “Boulevard of broken dreams”

The phrase “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” signifies a life full of shattered expectations, or one that has been messed up for a long time. Walking down the Boulevard of Broken dreams means revisiting all the failures and disappointments in life. 

 

More about the roots of the phrase “Boulevard of broken dreams”

There are no exact records or etymology for the phrase “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” We do know that it was used earlier than Green Day’s song, that is, in 1993 by Al Dubin. 

However, there is strong reason to believe that the phrase has been used even before that.

It’s virtually impossible for such a well-sounding and deep-meaning phrase to not have been used in the history of the English language. 

But while we are still unaware of the use of this phrase before 1933, and that the only popular usage of the phrase we know is in the album American Idiot, it’s safe to label the songs as the place we got this phrase from. 

 

More About the Song “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”

The 2004 song was composed by the band Green Day. This particular song is meant to be seen from the perspective of the main character in the American Idiot album, Jesus of Suburbia, or St. Jimmy. 

The song is one of a series in the album that unanimously tells one story, which we will talk about in the next section. The song is moderate and midtempo and features sad, solemn lyrics. 

The song, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, came after the up-beat song Holiday. Holiday describes a relatively happier time in St. Jimmy’s life. 

Later, the band labeled Holiday as being a joyful party and the Boulevard of Broken Dreams as being a regretful subsequent hangover. 

 

Word-by-word Breakdown of Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Not many people are aware of what the term ‘Boulevard’ means. The word has French origins and is usually used to refer to a wide street or road. 

The word is commonly used to name famous roads and streets in cities.

Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood is one example. 

In this phrase, ‘boulevard’ simply means a street or trail of broken dreams.

This brings us to the second part of the phrase, ‘broken dreams.’

Understanding the term is pretty easy as most of us are aware that the word ‘dreams’ is also used to denote one’s wishes and aspirations in life. Broken dreams would simply mean the aspirations are shattered.

 

Understand the song lyrics of “Boulevard of broken dreams

To understand the background of the phrase, we recommend listening to the whole album or at least the song itself. Here is how the phrase is in the lyrics of the song.

“I walk a lonely road

The only one that I have ever known

Don’t know where it goes

But it’s home to me, and I walk alone

 

I walk this empty street

On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Where the city sleeps

And I’m the only one, and I walk alone”

 

Focus on the first two lines of the second stanza. Jesus of Suburbia sings these verses as he walks alone with his head held down reflecting on all the dreams and ambitions he once used to have. 

It can be inferred that all the ideas and ambitions that Jesus had have not gone well, and resemble ‘broken dreams’. 

As he sings, “And I’m the only one, and I walk alone”, it gives us the impression of Jesus being left alone by all the people in his life. 

This phase in Jesus’s life comes after he has had a good time in The City, as described in the song, Holiday. As his intoxication wears off and he enters the hangover, he realizes him being alone amidst all of these shattered expectations he has.  

 

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” – Hollywood Context

Some argue that the phrase really refers to the famous Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, Los Angeles. 

When used in this context, the phrase signifies how so many people aspire for success in the American movie industry, Hollywood and that most of them end their pursuit with broken dreams. 

The phrase captures the essence the Hollywood is a long shot, that is, one a few manage of fare well in Hollywood. Most people just end up with a lot of broken dreams. 

 

How to Use the Phrase “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”

Below are some examples of how you could use the phrase in your speech and writing. 

Using the phrase in your language is pretty straightforward. To make things easier, try replacing the phrase with something simpler that means the same thing.

For instance, if you can use the words “continuous disappointments” in one place, you could also replace them with “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” to sound more sophisticated.

“Doc entered a somber mood and went quiet. He subdued himself to the corner. I walked up to him and asked, “What’s wrong doc?”. “Nothing son, just revisiting the Boulevard of Broken Dreams again,” he replied.