Meaning of "The Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" by Tony Bennett

The lyrics of "The Boulevard of Broken Dreams" paint a picture of a desolate street where dreams and aspirations have been crushed. The protagonist walks along this boulevard, surrounded by sorrow. The mention of gigolos and gigolettes suggests a world of transactional relationships and sexual intimacy devoid of emotional attachment. These characters can "take a kiss without regret" and momentarily forget their own broken dreams. However, their temporary moments of joy are brief, and they eventually find themselves crying over their shattered schemes. The repetition of the line "Here is where you'll always find me – always walking up and down" emphasizes the cyclical nature of their existence, trapped on this boulevard. The mention of leaving one's soul behind in an old cathedral town suggests that the protagonist has lost their essence and purpose, perhaps sacrificing their true desires in pursuit of something empty and unfulfilling. The song suggests that the joy found on this boulevard is borrowed and cannot be sustained. Despite the struggles and heartbreak, gigolos and gigolettes continue to sing and dance, symbolizing their resilience and ability to persevere despite the circumstances. In essence, the lyrics of "The Boulevard of Broken Dreams" explore the themes of unfulfilled dreams, emotional emptiness, and the longing for something more meaningful in life.