Song of the Week: “I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls,” 1843

I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls

With vassals and serfs at my side...

The Gallery Entrance Hall
Buckingham Palace
The British Monarchy

In yesterday's chapter of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Lennie reluctantly sang, "I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls" for Punch, Robert and Matthew, and much to the delight of the staff who were all moved by the emotional song.  

Though few people remember the 1843 opera The Bohemian Girl by Alfred Bunn and Michael William Balfe, most everyone has heard its most popular aria, “I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls.” The Bohemian Girl was first performed at the Drury Lane Theatre on November 27, 1843.

The song has been recorded multiple times by various artists ranging from Joan Sutherland to Enya and Celtic Woman. “I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls” has remained a popular and influential song which has moved people in all walks of life. Writer James Joyce quoted the song in his work,Clay, and filmmaker Martin Scorsese included it in his film The Age of Innocence.

With lyrics which apply to the human condition, this perennial favorite has touched many an audience.  

I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls

With vassals and serfs at my side.

And of all who assembled within those walls

That I was the hope and the pride.

I had riches too great to count, could boast

Of a high ancestral name.

But I also dreamt, which pleased me most

That you lov'd me still the same,

That you lov'd me, you lov'd me still the same,

That you lov'd me, You loved me still the same.

I dreamt that suitors sought my hand.

That knights upon bended knee,

And with vows no maiden's heart could withstand,

They pledg'd their faith to me.

And I dreamt that one of that noble host

Came forth my hand to claim.

But I also dreamt, which charmed me most

That you lov'd me still the same,

That you lov'd me, you lov'd me still the same,

That you lov'd me, you loved me still the same.

Written for the lead character in The Bohemian Girl—Arline—as she recalls her foggy memories of childhood, the theme of the song concerns the value of true love despite material wealth. This theme has contributed to the song’s enduring popularity—though our society changes, our fundamental desires and priorities do not.

Enjoy this 2008 version sung by Sumi Jo in concert with Dmitri Hvorostovsky in St. Petersburg.