Meaning of "The Dream" by Ry Cooder

The lyrics of "The Dream" by Ry Cooder tell the story of a fleeting connection with someone who leaves a significant impact on the narrator. The imagery of a woman alone in a back booth, smoking and waiting, conveys a sense of longing and mystery. The brief conversation about traveling and change symbolizes a desire for a different life, for escape from the mundane. The woman represents a dream-like figure, someone who seems unattainable but who sparks a sense of possibility and adventure in the narrator. The reference to the sun coming up and the woman being gone suggests that these encounters are ephemeral, highlighting the transient nature of such connections. Overall, the song explores themes of fleeting moments, missed opportunities, and the allure of the unknown.