“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something magical about live performances, isn’t there? They capture a raw, unfiltered essence of the artist, and Justin Hayward’s live rendition of Broken Dream at San Juan Capistrano in 1998 is no exception. This performance feels like a window into Hayward’s soul, where every note and lyric carries a weight of emotion that’s impossible to ignore. If you’re a fan of heartfelt storytelling through music, this song is a treasure waiting to be rediscovered.
Broken Dream is one of those songs that feels deeply personal, yet universal. It’s a hauntingly beautiful ballad that speaks to the fragility of hope and the bittersweet nature of longing. Hayward, best known as the lead singer and guitarist of The Moody Blues, brings his signature warmth and introspection to this live version. His voice, rich with emotion, seems to wrap around the audience, drawing them into the story of the song. The stripped-down arrangement in this performance highlights the vulnerability of the lyrics, making it feel even more intimate.
What makes this live version so special is the setting itself. San Juan Capistrano, with its cozy and almost sacred atmosphere, provides the perfect backdrop for a song like Broken Dream. You can almost picture the audience sitting in quiet reverence, hanging onto every word and chord. Hayward’s guitar work is delicate yet powerful, weaving a melody that lingers long after the song ends. It’s the kind of performance that makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger, like you’ve been let in on a secret that only a few get to hear.
The song’s themes of loss, yearning, and resilience resonate deeply, especially when performed live. Hayward’s ability to convey such raw emotion is a testament to his artistry. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Moody Blues or just discovering Justin Hayward’s solo work, this performance is a must-listen. It’s not just a song—it’s an experience, a moment frozen in time that continues to touch hearts decades later.
Video
Lyrics
One more illusion shattered, one more broken dream
Oh, that the morning brings the sun
Gone are the days when I could bounce right back again
See how the tears flow down like sweet summer rain
Where does it leave me now?
I find myself so free again
Even the smallest traces of your sweet perfume
Open the floodgates and I’m helpless
Now, as the moonlight shadows, cast across my room
Only the whispered words are heard in the night
Only a silent prayer, I love you still, I always will
Out of the dark, I stumbled into the light
Only my fear has tumbled, I think, I always knew
That I would run to you
Somewhere there’s children playing, somewhere far away
Running with open arms to greet me
Over the hill, the sunset dies and fades away
I turn and I close the door with one last goodbye
I will return no more, I’ll take my heart and let it fly