Meaning of "Dreams" by Brandi Carlile

The song "Dreams" delves into the complex emotions that arise from unrequited love and the power of dreams as an outlet for unexpressed feelings. The protagonist describes how they constantly think about the person they desire, both when they are awake and when they are asleep. The person becomes deeply embedded in their subconscious and affects their daily life, making them feel weak. In their dreams, however, the protagonist can fully experience the weight of their emotions and liberate themselves by sharing their true feelings. The dreams become a sanctuary where they can temporarily have the person they desire, even though it cannot be a reality in waking life.

The lyrics also touch upon the struggle of keeping their emotions hidden and locked away from the outside world. The protagonist keeps their longing hidden, not revealing it to the person they desire or anyone else. They recognize the futility of their situation, acknowledging that they can't have the person they long for. However, they find solace in their dreams where they can be honest with themselves and let their desires be known. The dreams offer a sense of release and allow the protagonist to fully express their emotions, even if it is only within the confines of their own mind.

The chorus emphasizes the power and significance of dreams in the protagonist's life. The repetition of the line "I have dreams" highlights the importance of this escape and the role it plays in their emotional well-being. The dreams represent a safe space where the protagonist can freely experience the weight of their emotions and indulge in their desires. It becomes a coping mechanism for dealing with unrequited love, offering a temporary respite from the reality that they cannot have the person they long for.

Overall, "Dreams" explores the emotional complexities of unrequited love and the cathartic power of dreams as an outlet for unexpressed feelings. It highlights the duality of emotions, where longing and desire exist alongside the acceptance that those desires may never be fulfilled. The song ultimately emphasizes the role of dreams in providing an avenue for emotional release and temporary fulfillment.