The lyrics describe someone preparing for the night by combing through the thoughts in their head and getting ready for sleep, only to be haunted by their dreams which are judged and policed by an unseen force.

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Meaning of "The Dream Police" by David Byrne


"The Dream Police" by David Byrne delves into the concept of the subconscious mind and how dreams can often reveal aspects of ourselves that we may not be consciously aware of during our waking hours. The imagery of combing the snakes in one's head and the idea of a court of law within the mind highlight the internal struggles and conflicts that can manifest through dreams. The dream police symbolize the inner critic that monitors our thoughts and actions, even when we are asleep. The lyrics suggest that our dreams are not random, but rather a reflection of our fears, desires, and guilt. The closing of the judge's eyes implies that ultimately, we are the ones who must confront and take responsibility for our thoughts and actions, even the ones hidden in our subconscious.