When Heart released “These Dreams” in 1986, it became an instant classic, resonating deeply with listeners worldwide. But what do the cryptic lyrics actually mean? Let’s take a deep dive into the verses, choruses, and bridges to uncover the hidden meanings and stories behind this iconic song.
The Meaning of “These Dreams” by Heart
The enigmatic allure of “These Dreams” by Heart lies in its haunting atmosphere and profound lyrical depth, which transport the listener into a realm where dreams and reality blur. Inspired by a blend of personal experiences and ethereal imagery, the song’s lyrics weave a tale of longing and escapism, capturing the essence of fleeting moments that linger long after waking. The haunting vocals of Nancy Wilson, paired with the band’s signature rock sound, create an otherworldly experience that resonates with anyone who has ever sought refuge in their dreams. Every note and word serve as a reminder that within our dreams lies a world of possibilities and emotions, waiting to be explored.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Spare a little candle, save some light for me
Figures up ahead moving in the trees
White skin in linen, perfume on my wrist
And the full moon that hangs over these dreams in the mist
[Verse 2]
Darkness on the edge, shadows where I stand (Shadows where I stand)
I search for the time on a watch with no hands
I want to see you clearly, come closer than this (All that I remember)
But all I remember are the dreams in the mist
[Chorus]
These dreams go on when I close my eyes
Every second of the night, I live another life
These dreams that sleep when it’s cold outside
Every moment I’m awake, the further I’m away (The further I’m away)
[Verse 3]
Is it cloak-and-dagger? Could it be spring or fall?
I walk without a cut through a stained-glass wall (Weaker in my eyesight)
Weaker in my eyesight, the candle in my grip (Words that have no form)
And words that have no form are falling from my lips
[Chorus]
These dreams go on when I close my eyes
Every second of the night, I live another life
These dreams that sleep when it’s cold outside
Every moment I’m awake, the further I’m away (The further I’m away)
[Bridge]
There’s something out there I can’t resist
I need to hide away from the pain
There’s something out there I can’t resist
[Verse 4]
The sweetest song is silence that I’ve ever heard (Feet don’t touch the earth)
Funny how your feet in dreams never touch the earth
In a wood full of princes, freedom is a kiss (The prince hides his face)
But the prince hides his face from dreams in the mist
[Chorus]
These dreams go on when I close my eyes
Every second of the night, I live another life
These dreams that sleep when it’s cold outside
Every moment I’m awake, the further I’m away
These dreams go on when I close my eyes (Every single se—)
Every second of the night, I live another life
These dreams that sleep when it’s cold outside
Every moment I’m awake, the further I’m away…
The Enigmatic Lyrics of Verse 1
“Spare a little candle, save some light for me”
This line sets the tone for the song, creating an atmosphere of longing and introspection. The candle symbolizes hope and guidance, a light in the darkness that the narrator desperately needs.
“Figures up ahead moving in the trees”
Imagery of moving figures evokes a sense of mystery and anticipation. It’s as though the narrator is navigating through an unknown, shadowy landscape.
“White skin in linen, perfume on my wrist”
These sensory details bring the scene to life, making the dream feel tangible. The white linen and perfume hint at purity and a sense of timelessness, drawing the listener deeper into the dream world.
“And the full moon that hangs over these dreams in the mist”
The full moon often symbolizes clarity and revelation, but here it’s shrouded in mist, adding to the song’s enigmatic quality. It’s a dreamscape where things are not quite clear, and reality blends seamlessly with fantasy.
Decoding the Shadows in Verse 2
“Darkness on the edge, shadows where I stand”
This line emphasizes the uncertainty and ambiguity that permeate the song. The narrator is on the edge, surrounded by shadows, unsure of what lies ahead.
“I search for the time on a watch with no hands”
A watch with no hands symbolizes the suspension of time, a feeling often experienced in dreams. It signifies an endless loop where time loses its meaning.
“I want to see you clearly, come closer than this”
The desire for clarity and closeness is palpable, yet the narrator is stuck in a perpetual state of yearning.
“But all I remember are the dreams in the mist”
Despite the longing, the narrator is left with only fragmented memories of their dreams, emphasizing the elusive nature of these experiences.
The Recurring Chorus
“These dreams go on when I close my eyes”
The chorus captures the essence of the song, portraying dreams as a constant escape. Each closed eye moment brings an alternate reality.
“Every second of the night, I live another life”
Dreams provide a parallel existence, offering an escape from the mundane realities of daily life.
“These dreams that sleep when it’s cold outside”
Dreams become more vivid and alive in the warmth and comfort of the night, contrasting with the cold, harsh reality outside.
“Every moment I’m awake, the further I’m away”
The bittersweet realization that waking life pulls the narrator further from the dream world they cherish.
The Cloak-and-Dagger World of Verse 3
“Is it cloak-and-dagger? Could it be spring or fall?”
This line introduces an element of intrigue and confusion, blending different seasons to signify the timelessness of dreams.
“I walk without a cut through a stained-glass wall”
A stained-glass wall represents beauty and fragility. Walking through it unscathed suggests a surreal, dreamlike invincibility.
“Weaker in my eyesight, the candle in my grip”
The weakening eyesight hints at the fading clarity of dreams, while the candle symbolizes the remaining glimmer of hope.
“And words that have no form are falling from my lips”
This line captures the ineffable nature of dreams, where words often fail to describe the vivid experiences.
Revisiting the Mesmerizing Chorus
The chorus repeats, reinforcing the themes of escapism and the duality of dreams and reality. It serves as a reminder that dreams are a refuge, offering a fleeting escape from the rigors of waking life.
The Bridge’s Unresistable Lure
“There’s something out there I can’t resist”
The bridge introduces an irresistible allure, a force that draws the narrator toward the dream world.
“I need to hide away from the pain”
Dreams become a sanctuary, a place to escape from the pain and struggles of real life.
“There’s something out there I can’t resist”
The repetition emphasizes the magnetic pull of dreams, making it clear that the narrator is captivated by this alternate reality.
The Silent Symphony of Verse 4
“The sweetest song is silence that I’ve ever heard”
Silence becomes a source of solace, a sweet escape from the chaos of the world.
“Funny how your feet in dreams never touch the earth”
This line captures the weightlessness and freedom of dreams, where the usual constraints of reality don’t apply.
“In a wood full of princes, freedom is a kiss”
A wood full of princes suggests a fairytale-like setting, where freedom is symbolized by a kiss, representing liberation and pure joy.
“But the prince hides his face from dreams in the mist”
Even in this idyllic setting, there is an element of mystery and concealment, as the prince remains hidden.
The Final Chorus and Its Echoes
The chorus returns, echoing the themes explored throughout the song. Its repetition serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring allure of dreams and the escape they offer.
“These dreams go on when I close my eyes (Every single se—)”
The dreams persist, providing an alternate life with each blink.
“Every second of the night, I live another life”
The alternate reality offered by dreams continues, offering solace and escape.
“These dreams that sleep when it’s cold outside”
As the night envelops the world in cold, dreams provide warmth and comfort.
“Every moment I’m awake, the further I’m away…”
The final line underscores the bittersweet nature of these dreams, as waking life inevitably pulls the narrator away from the dream world.
Conclusion
Heart’s “These Dreams” is a timeless classic that captures the essence of dreams as a refuge from reality. Its enigmatic lyrics invite listeners to explore their own dreamscapes, offering a sense of comfort and escape. By dissecting each verse and chorus, we uncover the layers of meaning and emotion that make this song so captivating. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new listener, “These Dreams” continues to resonate, reminding us of the power and beauty of our dreams.