Merrily We Roll Along (1980) Lyrics - Merrily We Roll Along

Merrily We Roll Along (1980) Lyrics

Merrily We Roll Along (1980)

[CLAUDIA]
Yesterday is done
See the pretty countryside

[JEROME]
Merrily we roll along, roll along
Bursting with dreams

[KT]
Traveling's the fun

[BUNKER]
Flashing by the countryside

[MEG]
Everybody merrily

[BUNKER]
Merrily

[GROUP I]
Catching at dreams
Rolling along…
Rolling along…
Rolling along…
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Dreams don’t die
So keep an eye on your dream—

[GROUP II]
And before you know where you are
There you are

[GROUP I]
Time goes by
And hopes go dry
But you still can try
For your dream

[MEG]
Tend your dream…

[GROUP II]
How does it happen?

[TYLER]
Dreams take time…

[GROUP II]
Once it was all so cl?ar

[BUNKER]
Time goes by…
[GROUP II]
How can you get so far off th? track?
Why don't you turn around and go back?

[SCOTTY]
Bend your dream…

[GROUP II]
How does it happen?
Where is the moment?

[GROUP I]
With the road…

[GROUP II]
How can you miss it?
Isn't it clear?
How can you let it slip out of gear?
How did you ever get there from here?

[GROUP I]
You roll

[GROUP II]
How does it happen?
[GROUP I]
You just roll

[GROUP II]
Once it was all so clear

[GROUP III]
Isn’t it always clear?

[GROUP I]
Everybody roll

[GROUP II]
How does it start to go?

[GROUPS II & III]
Does it slip away slow

[ENSEMBLE]
So you never even notice it's happening?

[CHARLEY]
How did you get to be here?

[ENSEMBLE]
What was the moment?

[MARY]
How did you get to be here?

[MARY & CHARLEY]
Pick yourself a road
Get to know the countryside
Soon enough you're merrily

[ALL]
Merrily
Practicing dreams

Dreams that will explode
Waking up the countryside
Making you feel merrily, merrily
What can go wrong
Rolling along?

[GROUP I]
Some roads are soft
And some are bumpy
Some roads you really fly

[ENSEMBLE]
Some rides are rough
And leave you jumpy
Why make it tough
By getting grumpy?
Plenty of roads to try

[GROUP I, GROUP II]
One trip (Some roads are soft)
All you get (And some are bumpy)
Is one quick ride (Some roads you really fly)
Look around a bit
One quick ride (Some roads are rough and leave you jumpy)
Through the countryside (Why make it tough by getting grumpy?)
Stay on the track (Plenty of roads to try)
Never look back (Some roads you really fly)

[ALL]
Never look back
Never look back
Never look back!
Never look back!
Never look—

How did you get to be here?
What was the moment?
How did you get to be here?

Bending with the road
Gliding through the countryside
Merrily we roll along
Roll along
Catching at dreams

Dreams that will explode
Waking up the countryside
Everybody merrily, merrily
Sing 'em your song
Rolling along!
Rolling along!
Rolling along!


Song Words Meaning and Impact of "Merrily We Roll Along" by New Broadway Cast of Merrily We Roll Along.

Merrily We Roll Along Song Video by New Broadway Cast of Merrily We Roll Along
New Broadway Cast of Merrily We Roll Along performing "Merrily We Roll Along" in the official recording.

Song Credits:

  • Featuring Artists: Daniel Radcliffe (Charley Kringas), Jonathan Groff (Franklin Shepard), Lindsay Mendez (Mary Flynn)
  • Producers: David Caddick, David Lai, Joel Fram, Maria Friedman
  • Composer and Writer: Stephen Sondheim
  • Release Date: November 15, 2023
  • Label: Masterworks Broadway
  • Genre: Musical Theatre
  • Album: Merrily We Roll Along (New Broadway Cast Recording)

Song Meaning.

New Broadway Cast of Merrily We Roll Along performing song Merrily We Roll Along
Performance of "Merrily We Roll Along" by the New Broadway Cast, capturing the essence of its themes.

"Merrily We Roll Along" serves as the opening number of the musical, establishing its unique narrative structure, where time moves in reverse. The song captures the journey of dreams, ambitions, and the inevitable changes that life brings. The cast sings about optimism and the excitement of youth, contrasting with the reality of adulthood that unfolds in the musical.

The lyrics repeatedly reference "dreams that will explode" and "catching at dreams", symbolizing the relentless pursuit of success, only for time to challenge those aspirations. The phrase "never look back" reflects the overarching theme of moving forward despite setbacks, but in the context of the show, it carries an ironic weight—since the story reveals how choices and regrets shape the characters' lives.

Which songs share similar messages?

Thumbnail from Merrily We Roll Along by New Broadway Cast
A scene from the "Merrily We Roll Along" performance, reflecting its introspective themes.
  1. "Our Time" – New Broadway Cast of Merrily We Roll Along: This song, also from the musical, echoes the same message of youthful ambition and the belief in endless possibilities. It serves as a counterpoint to "Merrily We Roll Along," showing the characters in their earlier, more hopeful years.
  2. "Being Alive" – Stephen Sondheim (from Company): This song also explores themes of self-discovery and the cost of pursuing one's dreams, much like "Merrily We Roll Along." It reflects on the need for connection despite the struggles of growing older.
  3. "Defying Gravity" – Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth (from Wicked): This song shares the theme of breaking free from limitations and following one's ambitions, even when the future is uncertain.

Questions and Answers.

What is the main theme of "Merrily We Roll Along"?
The song focuses on the passage of time, the pursuit of dreams, and how youthful optimism can fade as life progresses.
How does "Merrily We Roll Along" reflect the musical's structure?
The song presents the characters at a later stage in life, reflecting on their journey, which the musical then unfolds in reverse, showing how they got there.
Why does the song emphasize the phrase "never look back"?
Ironically, the entire musical does look back, unraveling past decisions and regrets, making the phrase bittersweet rather than motivational.
Scene from Merrily We Roll Along by New Broadway Cast
Visual representation of the musical's themes in the song "Merrily We Roll Along."

Which awards and chart positions did the composition achieve?

The New Broadway Cast Recording of "Merrily We Roll Along" received significant acclaim, with the production winning Best Revival of a Musical at the Tony Awards. The recording charted in the Billboard Cast Albums category, reflecting its strong reception among theatre fans.

Fan and Media Reactions.

"A stunning revival of a misunderstood classic. The energy and emotion in 'Merrily We Roll Along' are palpable!"
BroadwayWorld Review
"This cast brings new life to Sondheim's masterpiece. The song's meaning resonates deeper in 2023."
The New York Times
"Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez deliver an unforgettable performance in this powerful song."
Variety
"Every lyric hits harder knowing how the show unfolds. Sondheim was truly ahead of his time."
Vulture
"Hearing this song in the new Broadway revival was an emotional rollercoaster. Brilliant!"
Theatergoer Review


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Musical: Merrily We Roll Along. Song: Merrily We Roll Along (1980). Broadway musical soundtrack lyrics. Song lyrics from theatre show/film are property & copyright of their owners, provided for educational purposes