Meaning of "Southern Dreaming" by The Sheepdogs

The lyrics of "Southern Dreaming" by The Sheepdogs convey the narrator's longing for an escape from reality and a desire to live in a dreamlike state, particularly in the Southern region. The opening lines, "I've looked on down, now baby it looks nice / You don't have to tell me more than once or twice," suggest that the narrator is enticed by the idea of a different life, one that appears more appealing and desirable. The repetition of the phrase "Now I said darling / Would you keep on pushing? / Would you keep on riding?" conveys the narrator's determination to pursue this dream, even if it requires effort and perseverance.

Through the lines, "I fight through this haze, baby / Fight through the malaise / I'll live down there till my dying days," the narrator emphasizes his willingness to overcome obstacles and live in this dream state until the end of his life. The Southern region symbolizes a fantasy world for the narrator, a place where his dreams can become a reality. He mentions finding ways to rig things so he can't lose, indicating his determination to make this dream come true, regardless of the challenges he may face.

The mention of seeing things in dreams that he has read in books and magazines adds another layer to the meaning of the lyrics. It suggests that the narrator's thoughts are heavily influenced by media and creates an image of the Southern region that may not entirely reflect reality. The concept of "Southern dreaming" represents escapism, a desire to break free from the constraints and mundanity of everyday life.

Overall, "Southern Dreaming" portrays a yearning for an idyllic, dreamlike existence away from the narrator's current reality. It captures the desire to escape ordinary life and find solace and fulfillment in a fantasy world, represented by the Southern region.