Lyrics: Disillusion
Changing, moving, in a circle I can see your face in all of my dreams Smiling, laughing, from the shadows When I hear your voice I know what it means I know it doesn't matter just how hard I try You're all the reason for my life Disillusion, disillusion's all you left for me How can I forget you when my world is breaking down You're all I had, you're all I want Disillusion, disillusions now, that's all I have Wishing, hoping, chasing shadows Did I see your face somewhere in the crowd Thinking, wondering, what you're doing I can stop myself from crying out loud They say my wound will heal and only leave a scar But then, they'd never shared our love Disillusion, disillusion's all you left for me How can I forget you when my world is breaking down You're all I had, you're all I want Disillusion, disillusions now, that's all I have Disillusion, disillusions now, that's all I have
The Cycle of Heartbreak
The opening lines of “Disillusion” set the stage for a song rooted in the aftermath of heartbreak. Lyrics such as “Changing, moving, in a circle” suggest the emotional turbulence and repetitive thoughts that often follow the end of a significant relationship. The image of seeing the loved one’s face “in all of my dreams” and hearing their voice highlights the lingering presence of a lost love, unable to escape even in sleep.
Longing and Loss
The chorus brings the theme of disillusionment to the forefront. The narrator confesses, “You’re all I had, you’re all I want / Disillusion, disillusions now, that’s all I have.” These lines capture the sense of emptiness and confusion that can follow when expectations of love shatter. The use of the word “disillusion” reflects a painful awakening, where the reality is far from the cherished dreams and hopes once held.
Enduring Pain and Unanswered Questions
Throughout the song, the narrator grapples with memories and unanswered questions: “Wishing, hoping, chasing shadows,” and “Did I see your face somewhere in the crowd?” These lines evoke the desperation to reconnect or find closure, contrasted with the realization that such efforts are futile. The verse “They say my wound will heal and only leave a scar / But then, they’d never shared our love” poignantly acknowledges the uniqueness of personal pain, and how others’ reassurances can sometimes ring hollow.
Disillusion as a Final State
Ultimately, “Disillusion” does not offer resolution or healing but instead closes with the acceptance that disillusionment is all that remains. This stark emotional honesty is part of what gives the song its power, resonating with anyone who has experienced the loss of a deeply meaningful relationship.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Hayley Westenra, Jeff Lorber
Release Year: 1975
Label: Harvest Records