The lyrics describe a sense of longing and regret for a lost love that was once strong and special. The protagonist wakes up alone every morning, unable to find fulfillment in new relationships, and constantly compares others to the love they once had.

Meaning of "Once Upon a Time" by Dan Fogelberg

The lyrics of "Once Upon a Time" by Dan Fogelberg reflect the theme of lost love and the struggle to move on. The protagonist is haunted by memories of a past love that was powerful and irreplaceable. Despite trying to find love elsewhere, they are unable to let go of the memory of their former lover. The repetition of the phrase "once upon a time" emphasizes the nostalgia and idealization of the past relationship. The lyrics capture the pain of holding onto something that is no longer attainable, highlighting the human tendency to compare new relationships to ones that have left a lasting impact. Overall, the song conveys a sense of longing, regret, and the inability to move forward from a lost love.