Meaning of "Dreamer" by Dennis Wilson

"Dreamer" by Dennis Wilson explores the theme of pursuing dreams and the obstacles that can arise on that journey. The lyrics begin by mentioning a carpenter who had a dream, implying that dreams are not limited to any specific profession or background. The notion of killing the man but not the dream suggests that dreams are resilient and can survive even in the face of adversity or setbacks.

The song highlights the idea that pursuing dreams is not an easy task, as the line "Who said it was easy?" indicates. It acknowledges the challenges and difficulties that people face in their pursuit of success, whether it be in the form of making big movies or becoming a star. Despite this, the importance of dreaming is emphasized in the line "People got to dream," suggesting that dreams are necessary for one's personal and creative growth.

The lyrics also mention the band that keeps on playing, symbolizing the power of music and its ability to provide solace and inspiration. It suggests that music can be a source of comfort and motivation during times of hardship or when faced with obstacles on the journey towards one's dreams.

The song takes a turn towards the idea of freedom, with lines like "People gotta be free" and "Driver, drive on." This could be interpreted as a commentary on the pursuit of personal freedom and independence. The line "They couldn't get to heaven in their car" suggests that material possessions or conventional paths may not be the key to finding true fulfillment or reaching one's goals.

Overall, "Dreamer" encourages listeners to embrace their dreams, despite the challenges they may face. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the power of music as a source of inspiration. The lyrics convey a sense of optimism and an invitation to keep dreaming and striving for a better future.