Meaning of "Darn That Dream" by Dianne Reeves

The lyrics of "Darn That Dream" capture the bittersweet emotions of longing and disappointment. The narrator is caught in the cycle of a dream that offers temporary solace and happiness, only to be shattered upon waking up. This dream serves as an escape from the reality of their unrequited love or loneliness. It provides a glimpse of a world filled with love and affection, but it remains elusive, leaving the narrator yearning for something that may never come to pass.

The repetition of "darn" throughout the lyrics signifies the frustration and resentment towards the dream itself. The narrator is aware of the unreality of the dream, acknowledging that it taunts and teases them with a version of what they desire but cannot attain. The dream becomes a symbol of their own longing and unfulfilled desires, exacerbating their dissatisfaction with their current state.

The mention of "darn your lips and darn your eyes" and being lifted "above the moonlit skies" highlights the intoxicating effect the dream has on the narrator. It offers a temporary escape from their mundane life, taking them to a place of euphoria and bliss. However, the subsequent tumble "out of paradise" emphasizes the transience and fragility of this dream world. It reinforces the idea that the dream, no matter how captivating, will always lead to disappointment.

The line "Darn that one-track mind of mine" reveals a self-awareness of the narrator's fixation on this dream. They struggle to comprehend why they continue to hold onto a dream that will likely never come true. This suggests a certain level of resignation, where the narrator is stuck in an emotional cycle that they cannot break free from.

In the final lines, the narrator expresses conflicting emotions towards the dream. On one hand, they acknowledge that without it, they may never have experienced the feeling of being close to someone they long for. However, it also haunts them, as its unattainability remains a constant reminder of their unfulfilled desires.