Heart – “These Dreams” Lyrics Meaning

“These Dreams,” is a mesmerizing journey into the realm of dreams and escapism. The song captures the essence of finding solace and freedom in one’s dreams, contrasting the often harsh reality of waking life. The lyrics, woven with vivid imagery and emotional depth, suggest a longing for a place of peace and safety, found only in the dream world. It reflects the dual nature of our lives: the tangible, sometimes painful reality, and the ethereal, often liberating world of dreams. The song doesn’t pinpoint a specific person or story but resonates with anyone seeking refuge in their inner world. In crafting these lyrics, the songwriters tap into a universal human experience – the desire to escape, if only for a moment, into a dream.

“These Dreams” is a poetic exploration of the human desire to find solace in an alternate reality. It reflects our innate need to escape life’s trials, if only in our minds.


“These Dreams” Lyrics Meaning

The opening lines, “Spare a little candle / Save some light for me,” immediately set a tone of longing and introspection. This imagery of light and darkness runs through the song, symbolizing hope amidst uncertainty. The “figures up ahead moving in the trees” evoke a sense of mystery and the unknown, perhaps reflecting the unpredictable nature of life and dreams.

As we delve into the chorus, “These dreams go on when I close my eyes / Every second of the night I live another life,” we uncover the core theme of the song: the power of dreams as an escape. In their dreams, the narrator experiences a different life, free from the constraints of reality. This contrast between the waking world and the dream state suggests a yearning for a more fulfilling existence, only attainable in the subconscious realm.

The line, “I search for the time on a watch with no hands,” is particularly poignant, symbolizing the timeless nature of dreams and perhaps the futility of trying to control or understand them. It’s a metaphor for seeking answers or direction in a place where conventional rules don’t apply.

In the verse, “Is it cloak ‘n’ dagger / Could it be spring or fall,” the song plays with the idea of uncertainty and change. The seasons changing could represent the passage of time in life, with the narrator finding constancy only in their dreams.

The song’s bridge, “There’s something out there / I can’t resist / I need to hide away from the pain,” speaks to dreams’ escapism. It’s a candid admission of using dreams as a refuge from the difficulties of real life. The imagery of “a wood full of princes / Freedom is a kiss” further illustrates this desire for an idyllic, fairy tale-like escape.

The Story Behind “These Dreams”

Heart, primarily known for their rock anthems, was undergoing a period of transformation. This track marked a departure from their usual style, venturing into more introspective and softer soundscapes. The lyricists, caught in a web of personal experiences and emotional states, channeled their innermost feelings into the song. The imagery of dreams and escape likely stemmed from their own desires for a respite from the pressures of life and the music industry. The song became a canvas for expressing the unspoken, the intangible feelings that often lie buried under the surface.

The mood of the songwriters, reflective and introspective, is palpable in the lyrics. The song’s dreamlike quality suggests a longing to break free from the mundane, to explore the depths of the subconscious mind. It’s a yearning for something more, a quest for understanding and peace in a chaotic and overwhelming world.

In essence, “These Dreams” is not just a song but a journey into the psyche of its creators. It stands as a testament to the power of music as a medium for expressing the inexpressible, for touching the deepest parts of the human soul. The story behind the song adds a layer of depth to its meaning, revealing the complexities and nuances of the creative process.