Meaning of "Wide Awake in Dreamland" by Pat Benatar

The lyrics of "Wide Awake in Dreamland" by Pat Benatar touch on themes of disillusionment, lost love, and feeling trapped in a life that lacks fulfillment. The protagonist feels like they are stuck in a surreal world where love is superficial and pain is ever-present. The idea of being wide awake in dreamland symbolizes a state of being conscious but feeling disconnected from reality, as if caught in a dreamlike existence where nothing is as it seems. The reference to a "paint by number life" highlights the artificiality and lack of genuine emotion in their existence, while the mention of chemical decisions implies choices made under the influence of external factors rather than true desire. The song ultimately conveys a sense of longing for something real and meaningful in a world that seems to offer only illusions and disappointments.