Meaning of "Was It a Dream?" by Thirty Seconds To Mars

"Was It a Dream?" explores the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship. The lyrics delve into the inner thoughts and conflicts of the protagonist as they reflect on their past actions and emotions. The first verse highlights the protagonist's self-awareness of their flaws, acknowledging their selfishness. However, they find solace in the fact that they are not alone in their selfishness, suggesting that they were not the only one at fault for the relationship's demise.

The chorus raises an existential question about the reality of the past relationship. The protagonist questions if what they experienced was merely a dream, leaving them with no tangible evidence to prove its existence. The photograph mentioned throughout the song serves as the only form of proof, representing a tangible connection to the past that they struggle to let go of.

The lyrics emphasize the protagonist's internal struggle to move on from the relationship. They reference erasing the other person's reflection and burning the memories of the past, symbolizing their attempts to detach themselves emotionally. However, despite their efforts, they admit to being unable to let go completely, signing off with the line "in love", suggesting that feelings still linger.

The theme of self-destruction is present throughout the song. The protagonist expresses a willingness to set themselves on fire, which can be interpreted metaphorically as a desire to embrace the pain and turmoil caused by the failed relationship. This self-destructive impulse reflects their internal conflict and the intensity of their emotions.

Overall, "Was It a Dream?" examines the complex emotions that follow the end of a relationship. It touches on themes of introspection, self-awareness, longing, and the difficulty of letting go. The lyrics capture the inner turmoil and conflicting emotions that can arise when trying to move on from a romantic connection.