“Dreams” by Van Halen is a vibrant anthem of perseverance and believing in oneself. It’s a call to action, urging listeners to chase their dreams and rise above challenges. The song is drenched in optimism, with lyrics that encourage us to leave our doubts behind and soar to new heights. Eddie Van Halen’s exhilarating guitar riffs paired with Sammy Hagar’s powerful vocals create an uplifting atmosphere, making it impossible not to feel inspired. The song is not about a specific person, but rather, it speaks to anyone who’s ever had a dream and felt the weight of doubt. The message is clear: hold on to your dreams, embrace the journey, and believe in your ability to overcome obstacles. Van Halen wrote this song to inspire, lift spirits, and remind us that our dreams are worth fighting for.
Unpack the layers of Van Halen’s ‘Dreams,’ a high-energy track that’s more than just electrifying guitar solos and powerful vocals. This song holds a message that could be the push you need.
“Dreams” Lyrics Meaning
“World turns black and white, pictures in an empty room.” The song starts by depicting bleakness and isolation, perhaps representing moments of doubt or hardship.
“Your love starts fallin’ down, better change your tune.” Here, love can be interpreted as passion or drive. When it starts to waver, it’s time to change your perspective.
“Yeah, you reach for the golden ring, reach for the sky. Baby, just spread your wings.” These lines serve as a metaphor for chasing dreams and taking risks, encouraging listeners to aim high and not be afraid to fly.
“Get higher and higher, straight up we’ll climb. We’ll get higher and higher, leave it all behind.” The repetition of “higher and higher” emphasizes the continuous effort needed to achieve one’s dreams, while “leave it all behind” suggests letting go of doubts and fears.
“Run, run, run away, like a train runnin’ off the track. Got the truth bein’ left behind, fall between the cracks.” This stanza illustrates the urgency to break free from constraints and not let opportunities slip away.
“Standin’ on broken dreams, never losin’ sight.” Even when faced with failure, it’s crucial to stay focused on your goals.
“So baby, dry your eyes, save all the tears you’ve cried. That’s what dreams are made of.” This reassuring line encourages resilience, reminding us that every setback is a step towards achieving our dreams.
“’Cause we belong in a world that must be strong. Oh, that’s what dreams are made of.” Belonging and strength are highlighted here, suggesting that pursuing our dreams contributes to a stronger self and world.
“And in the end, on dreams we will depend. ‘Cause that’s what love is made of.” The song concludes with a powerful message about the integral role of dreams in our lives, equating the pursuit of dreams to an act of love.
The Story Behind “Dreams”
Van Halen released “Dreams” in 1986, during a period of significant change and rejuvenation for the band. Sammy Hagar had just taken over as the lead vocalist, bringing a new energy and direction to the group. The lyrics reflect this sense of renewal and optimism, capturing the band’s determination to reach new heights despite the challenges.
The song was written to inspire listeners to chase their dreams, a theme that was particularly relevant for Van Halen at the time. They were not only navigating the transition of band members but also proving that they could still create hit songs.
Eddie Van Halen’s signature guitar riffs and Hagar’s powerful vocals combined to create a song that was both a musical and motivational tour de force. “Dreams” stands as a testament to the band’s resilience and unwavering belief in the power of dreams, reminding all that with determination and belief, we can overcome obstacles and reach for the stars.