Meaning of "I Saw You in a Dream" by The Japanese House

The lyrics of "I Saw You in a Dream" delve into the complex emotions of longing and loss. The narrator begins by describing a dream where they see someone who has stayed the same, while they themselves had changed. This highlights the passage of time and the struggles of maintaining relationships amidst personal growth. The desire for this person is intense, as the narrator wishes to keep their eyes closed to avoid the sadness of reality. However, upon awakening, the lyrics reveal a sense of resignation and recognition of the futility of pursuing this connection.

The subsequent verses further explore these emotions. The narrator admits that it has been months since they last spoke to this person and that it has been challenging to contain their emotions. Despite the pain, the narrator asserts that they are not the type to cry over the situation, perhaps indicating a desire to appear strong or independent.

The chorus reiterates the dream imagery, expressing the narrator's fondness for their experience with the person. The dream is portrayed as a "perfect hallucination" and a "sweet apparition," highlighting the beauty and allure of this encounter. However, the lyrics also acknowledge that all good things come to an end, and the dream eventually fades away.

As the song progresses, the narrator continues to yearn for the person from their dream. They wonder if they will ever appear again and express a growing belief that the person will not respond to their calls. This realization leads to a sense of resignation as the narrator accepts that trying to reach out would be a waste of time. The final repetition of the lines "When I'm awake I can't switch off, it isn't the same but it is enough" suggests a bittersweet acceptance of the reality, where the narrator acknowledges that the waking world might not fulfill their longing but that they can find some solace in it.

Overall, "I Saw You in a Dream" delves into the melancholic emotions of longing, loss, and the fleeting nature of connections. It explores themes of change, acceptance, and the complexities of trying to hold onto something that exists only in dreams.