Poem Analysis

I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
and I'm the only one and I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk a...

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone

Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Aaah-ah,
Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah

I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone

Read between the lines
What's fucked up and everything's alright
Check my vital signs
To know I'm still alive and I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk a...

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone

Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Aaah-ah
Ah-ah, Ah-ah

I walk alone
I walk a...

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a...

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone...

This poem is actually a song performed by popular band "Green Day". The song is named "Boulevard of Broken Dreams".

So now to discuss the meaning of this poem. The poem may sound boring or lonely, but there is in fact a deeper meaning behind it. Most people would think this is about a lonely person, but there is a hidden meaning. While it is true it describes the life of a lonely person, it also is meant to reflect the lives of most punk rock groups these days. While it appears they have many fans and supporters, they do not have many real friends to confide in, so their lives are indeed rather lonely. I find that the song also reflects the life of an Aspergian. I touched on Asperger's Syndrome in one of my earlier posts, so you will know that Aspergians do not have many friends due to their poor sense of social ettiquete. So, I realise that this is very applicable to a person with Asperger's, like myself. Also, with the advent of technology, people increasingly use the Internet to chat to one another, in place of the usual face-to-face conversations. The Internet is not such a good way to make friends, since most people online are strangers to you. So, people are increasingly cut off from their classmates/colleagues/family, making their lives more lonely. For example, "I walk a lonely road, the only one that I have ever known. Don't know where it goes, but it's home to me and I walk alone." It gives off a sense of loneliness. One recognises that it is mostly applicable in the context of a teenager's life, due to the uncertainty they face in choosing a specialised field to study and work in. Also, they do not know whether they will be accepted as an employee by companies. One also notices the use of slang, and a little vulgarity. This mostly reflects the teenagers, who swear the most and use slang the most in their lives. The title "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" also suggests that most of a teenager's dreams never come to fruition, like an expensive house, or a high-paying job, or a loving spouse. While people from all walks of life can relate to this song, however it mostly applies to teenagers or young adults, who are mature in the mind and yet still in the innocence and folly of youth. I.e. they are mature but not wise, so they face much uncertainty in their lives.

I have learned a lot from this poem, about how people should develop closer friendship bonds with their friends/family, because it is a sad trend that more people prefer to face a computer than their own friends and relatives. Also, the more experienced elders or seniors should guide the youths along in their work or school, in order to allow them to flourish in their prime. This would help them to do a better job or study better, since they would have some knowledge and know-how of how to work/study in a smart way. E.g. if they know the requirements for a report on the economy in China, they would be able to shape their work to meet the requirements rather than simply writing a generic report that would not score well. E.g. if they know the smart methods to complete a property development project, they would have it finished faster and more effectively compared to blundering around, using the less effective and more time consuming methods to complete the jobs. However, those who are lost or lonely should also take the initiative to ask for help in their weak areas, or take the initiative to make friends e.g. organising parties, meeting them for movies, helping each other with homework, etc.

This ends my poem analysis. Please comment so I can edit! Thanks! :D