Memory Lyrics Meaning & Facts by (Singles). you can watch this video on youtube
while the lyrics are written by Andrew Lloyd Webber & T.S. Eliot.The music track was released Date :1983.
Memory is a haunting and iconic song from the musical “Cats,” composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by T.S. Eliot. It is a poignant and emotional ballad that captures the essence of longing, nostalgia, and the bittersweet beauty of reminiscence. Originally performed by Elaine Paige in the stage production, “Memory” has become one of the most recognized and beloved songs in musical theater.
[Verse 1: Elaine Paige]
Midnight, not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory?
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight, the withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan
(Explanation Of Verse 1)
The opening verse paints a vivid picture of a silent midnight scene. The singer observes the stillness of the pavement and contemplates the moon, questioning if it has forgotten its past. The moon is personified, described as “smiling alone” in the lamplight. The imagery of withered leaves at the singer’s feet and the moaning wind evoke a sense of desolation and melancholy.
[Verse 2: Elaine Paige]
Memory, all alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again
(Explanation Of Verse 2)
The second verse delves into the theme of memory itself. The singer reflects on being “all alone in the moonlight,” suggesting a solitude that intensifies the introspective mood. The ability to smile at the old days implies a deep emotional connection to past experiences. The mention of a time when the singer was beautiful and the recollection of knowing what happiness was underscore the transformative power of memory.
Complete Lyrics Of The Track
[Verse 1: Elaine Paige]
Midnight, not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory?
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight, the withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan
[Verse 2: Elaine Paige]
Memory, all alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again
[Bridge 1: Elaine Paige]
Every streetlamp seems to beat
A fatalistic warning
Someone mutters and the streetlamp gutters
And soon
It will be morning
[Verse 3: Elaine Paige]
Daylight
I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I mustn’t give in
When the dawn comes, tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin
[Bridge 2: Elaine Paige]
Burnt-out ends of smokey days
The stale cold smell of morning
The street lamp dies, another night is over
Another day is dawning
[Optional Verse]
Sunlight through the trees in summer
Endless masquerading
Like a flower, as the dawn is breaking
The memory is fading
[Verse 4: Elaine Paige]
Touch me
It’s so easy to leave me
All alone with my memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me, you’ll understand what happiness is
Look, a new day has begun
