Meaning of "An Occasional Dream" by David Bowie

"An Occasional Dream" explores the bittersweet nostalgia of a past relationship. The song paints a picture of intimacy and connection, as the narrator recalls the moments spent in their shared space, symbolized by the Swedish room with its Hessian and wood. These details demonstrate the familiarity and comfort found within the relationship. The line "And we'd talk with our eyes, of the sweetness in our lives" suggests a deep emotional understanding and unspoken communication between the two.

However, the passage of time becomes evident in the lyrics. The reference to "madness" implies a certain level of instability or emotional turmoil that eventually leads to the end of the relationship. The line "We burnt one hundred days" suggests the intensiveness or perhaps wasted time and effort invested in the relationship. The mention of holding onto ashes and the phrase "For the days of fate were strong for you, danced you far from me" hint at the pain of separation and feeling left behind.

The chorus, "An occasional dream," serves as a recurring motif in the song. It represents a longing for what was lost, a yearning for the connection that has since faded. The dreams mentioned in the lyrics symbolize the narrator's desires and hopes for the relationship. However, they are now sporadic, fleeting, and unable to be fully realized.

The final lines, "In my madness, I see your face in mine. I keep a photograph, it burns my wall with time," express the lingering impact of the past relationship on the narrator's present. The madness suggests a struggle to let go or move on, as memories and emotions continue to haunt them. The photograph serves as a physical reminder of what once was, yet it also represents the pain and longing associated with the passage of time.

Overall, "An Occasional Dream" captures the complex emotions of nostalgia, longing, and regret that arise from a lost connection. It portrays the fragility of relationships and the lasting impact they can have on individuals even after they have ended.