Meaning of "In My Dreams" by REO Speedwagon

The lyrics of "In My Dreams" reflect the universal experience of yearning for a lost love. The song captures the nostalgic longing for a time when everything was perfect, symbolized by the mention of a sunny day. The narrator is clearly experiencing a period of loneliness and sadness, as the morning light only disturbs their dreamland and reminds them of the reality they wish to escape. They used to be grateful for life and love, but now they find solace in the stars shining above, hoping for a connection with their beloved.

The contrast between day and night is significant in the song. Daybreak is described as a joyful time, depicted through the songbird harmonies, but the narrator wishes for the dawn to never come. They long for the silence in the trees, implying a desire for solitude and a reprieve from their overwhelming emotions. The nighttime becomes their sanctuary, the one time they feel truly happy. It is in their dreams that they can finally be with their loved one, even if only for a fleeting moment.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of escapism and the power of imagination. The narrator expresses a longing to stay asleep and pretend that their loved one is thinking of them, suggesting that their dreams provide an escape from the harsh realities of life. The dreams offer a sense of hope and provide the narrator with the belief that love still exists, even if only in their fantasies.

The climax of the song occurs when the narrator climbs higher and higher, ultimately reaching a state of flight where they are free from the troubles of the world below. This symbolizes the escape the dreams provide and the liberation the narrator feels when in the presence of their loved one, even if only in their imagination. The lyrics are filled with a sense of yearning and the longing for a love that may never materialize in reality.

Ultimately, "In My Dreams" conveys the powerful emotions associated with lost love and the desire to escape into a world where that love still exists. It speaks to the universal human longing for connection and the ability of dreams to provide solace and hope in times of loneliness.