Meaning of "Bike Dream" by Rostam

The lyrics of "Bike Dream" delve into the complexities and emotions surrounding love and desire. The song starts with the protagonist waking up late and feeling their heart begin to work, indicating a sense of anticipation or nervousness. They are dressed up and hailing cabs, suggesting a desire to venture out into the world and seek connection. The mention of 14th Street and the image of orange swimming through trees evoke a cityscape and a dreamlike ambiance.

The protagonist then contemplates their own state and the difficulty of expressing their true feelings. Their lips and eyes give them away, implying that their body language and expression betray their emotions, even if they try to hide them. They feel a sense of helplessness, unable to say what they truly want to say, and they are pulled away into fantasies where they see another version of themselves who has found love and happiness.

The two boys mentioned in the lyrics represent different aspects of the protagonist's desires. One is depicted as openly expressing affection and bringing them breakfast, while the other loves them discreetly, never to meet the protagonist. This dichotomy suggests that the protagonist desires both passion and tenderness, highlighting the complexity of their desires and longing.

The lyrics also touch on missed opportunities and regret. The protagonist reflects on a moment in the past where they wish they had spoken up but instead lied. This moment represents a missed chance for love and connection, and the protagonist laments their inaction. The mention of the New Yorker and the painting of Antarctica allude to the protagonist's attempt to distract themselves from their longing by immersing themselves in intellectual pursuits.

The repeated refrain of "Telling me something or nothing, never the one thing I wanna hear" showcases the frustration and yearning of the protagonist. They long for a specific affirmation or declaration of love from their desired person but feels like they are constantly left unsatisfied. This highlights the emotional rollercoaster of desire and the longing for genuine connection and validation.

Overall, "Bike Dream" explores themes of longing, missed opportunities, and the complexities of desire. It portrays the protagonist's yearning for love and their frustration with the inability to fully express their emotions or receive the desired response from their love interest.