Meaning of "Dreams" by Dua Lipa

The lyrics of "Dreams" by Dua Lipa explore themes of unrequited love, longing, and the blurred line between dreams and reality. The protagonist finds solace in their dreams where their desires are fulfilled, but is left unsatisfied when they wake up to the harsh reality. There is a sense of desperation in their yearning for the love interest to acknowledge their feelings and commit to a real relationship.

The line "Can I get it like that, that, that? Let me know" reflects the protagonist's plea for clarity and reassurance. They want to know if their dreams are a reflection of true feelings or merely fantasies. The repetition of "In my dreams" emphasizes the protagonist's fixation on this imagined relationship, as if their dreams are the only place where they feel truly loved and desired.

The lyrics also convey a sense of frustration and impatience. The protagonist pleads for the love interest to start listening and take action before it's too late. The repetition of "Time is a-ticking, we gotta leave now" suggests a growing urgency in their desire for the love interest to reciprocate their feelings before it's too late.

The contrasting line "And I know it's not real, but the way that I feel" captures the internal conflict within the protagonist. While they are aware that their dreams are not reality, they struggle to let go of the emotions they experience in those dreams. It symbolizes the deep longing for a fulfilling romantic connection that they haven't found in their waking life.

Overall, "Dreams" delves into the complexities of unrequited love and the overwhelming desire for a love that can only be found in the realm of dreams. It explores the emotional turmoil of having strong feelings for someone who may never reciprocate, as well as the struggle to distinguish between fantasy and reality.