Meaning of "Judy and the Dream of Horses" by Belle And Sebastian

The lyrics of "Judy and the Dream of Horses" explore themes of disillusionment, unfulfilled dreams, and the longing for something more. Judy is portrayed as a teenage rebel who deviates from societal norms by engaging in a passionate relationship during her youth. However, instead of finding fulfillment through this rebellion, she discovers a greater satisfaction in books and learning. This suggests that Judy is searching for something beyond surface-level connections and desires intellectual stimulation and self-improvement.

The lyrics also mention Judy's dreams, specifically the dream about a girl who stole a horse. Dreams often represent the subconscious desires and hopes of an individual, and in Judy's case, the dream symbolizes her desire for freedom, adventure, and the unattainable. Judy feels the most joy and contentment in her dreams, indicating her yearning for a life that goes beyond the ordinary.

However, the song also hints at the harsh realities and disappointments of life. The line "You will be disappointed, you will fall asleep with ants in your pants" implies that Judy's pursuit of her dreams may not lead to the fulfillment she desires. The best-looking boys and girls are already taken or inaccessible, leaving Judy to walk the streets from morning to night, searching for meaning and connection. The repetition of the line "you dream of horses" emphasizes Judy's longing for something more and her inability to find it in reality.

The message of the song suggests that dreams and fantasies can sometimes be more satisfying than reality. Despite the disappointments and challenges in life, the lyrics encourage Judy to continue to dream and write songs about her dreams of horses as a form of escapism and self-expression. By doing so, she can create her own world where she can find solace, even if it's just for a fleeting moment.